Quote:
Originally Posted by billdan
Or does it stop at the edge of the Oort cloud which is 1 light year from the sun to its edge.
Bill
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Many think that's a suitable definition. In any case I expect it's an upper limit regardless of what other approaches might be taken. Even the largest models would have to be substantially less than 2ly regardless of how you define it, as that same definition would place you within the influence of the Alpha Cen system if you went out much further. 3 stars, two of which are somewhat sun like versus one, suggesting you're in their backyard long before the halfway point between us and them.
Unless it is somehow revealed that we are in fact part of that system or otherwise interacting with them, which would be cool.
Edit:
Apparently there is some literature regarding Alpha Cen's influence on the Oort Cloud, starts on page 6. 100,000 potentially Earth-impacting comets - bring it on! 