A new study found that aliens may be using rogue planets in the universe as spacecraft. Here’s more on the research.
Aliens may use rogue planets as spaceships
A new study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology reveals that aliens may be utilizing rogue planets as spacecraft. According to Irina Romanovskaya, professor of physics and astronomy, Houston Community College, and author of the study, rogue planets seem to be used as spaceships since they are not easy to detect in the interstellar dark between systems. Rogue planets are planets knocked out of their original system due to gravitational events or formed externally.
Additionally, the study reveals the presence of a substantial number of such planets in the universe. “This increases the chance that some advanced extraterrestrial civilizations if they exist, might hitch a ride on free-floating planets. Which is why I call such hypothetical civilizations Cosmic Hitchhikers,” stated Romanovskaya.
These nomadic planets may be habitable despite not drawing energy from a star, atmospheres with hydrogen to preserve it, and residual core heat, which can provide energy for some period of time.
More on space hoping with rogue planets
Romanovskaya’s hypothesis reveals that rogue planets have advantages over spaceships. Unlike spaceships, planets come with resources and habitats. Additionally, they do not require artificial gravity. They could also prove to be an escape for the inhabitants of an aging system.
“There are no traffic lights in the galaxy. If the solar system happens to be in the way of some free-floating planet, the planet will not stop at the red light. It will fly right through the solar system,” explained Romanovskaya.
Hence, it’s only a matter of time when one such rogue planet comes close to a habitable world such as ours. Then, the aliens will have to use a regular spacecraft for jumping over to Earth. Extraterrestrial species may use these free-floating planets to survey space, planetary systems, or stars. They can also send biological species for establishing colonies in other planetary systems, taking a jumpstart in expanding or preserving their civilizations.