Since astronomers first laid eyes on the interstellar object known as ‘Oumuamua in October of 2017 at the Pan STARRS telescope in Hawaii, it's strange behavior and mysterious origins have sparked speculation and debate. The interstellar object appears to have originated from outside of our solar system.
'Oumuamua Meaning
The unique 'Oumuamua name was given by the International Astronomical Union after the Hawaiian phrase “a messenger from afar arriving first.” And nearly five years after its discovery, the object continues to baffle astronomers for its odd motion and appearance.
It's not uncommon for interstellar objects to enter our solar system. The formation of planetary systems like our own can be pretty chaotic, and these processes can send large quantities of rock and other debris hurtling through space for millions of years. Astronomers call these objects planetesimals.
