Exploring the Oort Cloud: What Lies Beyond Our Solar System

The video explores the Oort Cloud, a theoretical region beyond the Kuiper Belt, believed to be the source of icy objects and comets. Named after astronomer Jan Oort, it is thought to be a spherical shell of debris from the solar system's formation. The Oort Cloud is influenced by gravitational forces and interstellar events, which can send comets towards the sun. Estimated to be 2,000 astronomical units from the sun, it may contain around 2 trillion objects. The discovery of Sedna suggests it could be part of the inner Oort Cloud. Future space missions may confirm its existence.

What is the Oort Cloud theorized to be a source of?

• Solar flares

• Icy objects and debris

• Rocky asteroids

• Planetary rings

Who was the astronomer that first suggested the existence of the Oort Cloud?

• Carl Sagan

• Edwin Hubble

• Jan Oort

• Galileo Galilei

What happens to the icy particles in the Oort Cloud during interstellar events?

• They become part of the Milky Way

• They are absorbed by the sun

• They form new planets

• They are knocked towards the sun as comets

Approximately how far is the Oort Cloud from the Sun?

• 500 astronomical units

• 1,000 astronomical units

• 2,000 astronomical units

• 5,000 astronomical units

What is the significance of the discovery of Sedna in 2003?

• It was the first planet discovered beyond the solar system

• It disproved the Oort Cloud theory

• It is thought to be part of the inner Oort Cloud

• It confirmed the existence of the Oort Cloud