The enigmatic wire measures 8 millimetres and has a double curved, rigid form. According to experts, it is atypical in composition.
Renowned astronomer Professor Avi Loeb, which is leading an expedition to retrieve the first interstellar meteor from the bottom of the ocean, has discovered an atypical wire at the bottom of the ocean. The historic exploration led by Avi Loeb yields a second intriguing update, unearthing an enigmatic object from Earth’s depths. This extraordinary endeavor focuses on retrieving a mysterious interstellar item from the Pacific Ocean’s floor, recognized as the site of the first interstellar meteorite, IM1.
Revealing the Unexpected through Magnetic Sled Journey
The team encountered substantial volcanic dust composed of minuscule particles in their initial magnetic sled voyage to IM1’s resting place. Their findings echoed those from surrounding areas, until a peculiar, curly wire surfaced from one of their magnets, raising questions about its resistance to the ocean’s currents. The most probable theory attributes the wire’s immobility to volcanic magnetic particles, acting as a stabilizer akin to a magnet securing a sheet of paper.
Unusual Wire: An Enigma in Structure and Composition
The mysterious wire, measuring 8 millimeters and featuring a double-curved, rigid form, sparked the interest of on-site researchers Ryan Weed and Jeff Wynn. Deemed IS1-2, this unexpected finding proved to be atypical in composition compared to other human-made alloys. Utilizing a Bruker X-ray fluorescence analyzer for composition analysis, Weed discovered that IS1-2 prominently featured manganese and platinum, known as Mn and Pt in the periodic table.
Comparing with Known MnPt Alloys
While MnPt alloys exist in various forms, including wires, with a molecular weight of 250.02 according to American Elements, IS1-2 differs considerably in its Mn to Pt ratio. MnPts are predominantly platinum, often used as non-corroding electrodes in laboratories. However, IS1-2’s unique composition sets it apart.
Addressing Contamination Concerns
The unearthed anomaly prompted contamination worries from Professor Loeb. In response, an expedition member conducted a magnet-based sweep of their ship, Silver Star’s deck. No objects resembling IS1-2 surfaced in these checks, allaying contamination fears.
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