Ejection of Material from the Solar System by Close Encounters

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The Answer is The phenomenon described in the input question is known as a gravitational slingshot or gravity assist. It occurs when a small object, such as a comet, asteroid, or planetesimal, comes into close proximity with a larger body, like a planet, within a gravitational field. The interaction between the two objects can result in a significant alteration of the smaller object's trajectory and velocity.

Here's how the process works:

1. **Approach:** As the small object approaches the planet, it is pulled in by the planet's gravity. This causes the object to accelerate as it falls into the planet's gravitational well.

2. **Closest Approach:** The small object's path bends around the planet due to the gravitational attraction. The shape of this path depends on the initial trajectory and speed of the object, as well as the mass and velocity of the planet.

3. **Energy Exchange:** If the timing and angle of the approach are just right, the small object can "steal" some of the planet's orbital energy. This happens because the planet is also moving around the Sun, and as the small object swings around the planet, it can be accelerated by the planet's motion. This is similar to a slingshot effect, hence the name.

4. **Ejection:** The added energy can increase the small object's velocity to a point where it exceeds the escape velocity of the Solar System. If this happens, the object is ejected from the Solar System, sent off into interstellar space.

The gravity assist maneuver is not only a natural phenomenon but also a technique deliberately used by space agencies to send spacecraft on interplanetary missions. By carefully planning a spacecraft's trajectory to fly by planets, it can gain the necessary speed to reach distant destinations without requiring an impractical amount of fuel.

For a small object to be ejected from the Solar System by a planet, it must have a close encounter that is precisely aligned to maximize the energy transfer. The likelihood of such an event occurring naturally is low, but it is possible and has likely contributed to the population of interstellar objects passing through other star systems.

Ejection of Material from the Solar System by Close Encounters

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Ejection of Material from the Solar System by Close Encounters

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Correct Answer:
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