Observable tests for the light-sail scenario of interstellar objects

Context. Enigmatic dynamical and spectral properties of the first interstellar object (ISO), 1I/2017 U1 (Oumuamua), led to many hypotheses, including a suggestion that it may be an “artificial” spacecraft with thin radiation-pressure-driven light sail. Since similar discoveries by forthcoming instruments, such as Vera C. Rubin telescope Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST), are anticipated, critical identification key observable tests is warranted for quantitative distinctions between various scenarios. Aims. We scrutinize light-sail scenario making comparisons physical models observational constraints. These analyses can generalized future surveys ‘Oumuamua-like objects. Methods. The sail goes through drift in space due magnetic field gas atoms, which poses challenges navigation system. When enters inner Solar System, sideways radiation pressure leads considerable non-radial displacement. immensely high dimensional ratio tumbling motion could cause curve extremely large amplitude even make invisible from time time. features allow us examine Results. freely rotating medium ~100 au if travel distance only 1 pc. probability expected brightness modulation matching ‘Oumuamua’s observed variation (~2.5–3) <1.5%. In addition, being visible (brighter than V = 27) all 55 observations spread over two months after discovery 0.4%. Radiation larger displacement normal orbital plane ‘Oumuamua. Also, antisolar acceleration ‘Oumuamua deviates ~1.5 ? . Conclusions. suggest unlikely dynamics intruding sail, exists, has distinct signatures, quantitatively identified analyzed our methods surveys.