NASA Detects High-Velocity Interstellar Object
Astronomers are buzzing with excitement following the discovery of a new interstellar object racing through our solar system. Initially spotted by NASA’s ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope in Chile, the object was first given the provisional name A11pl3Z before receiving its official designation: 3I/ATLAS. The detection occurred during a routine asteroid survey, but it quickly became clear this was no ordinary find.
Third Interstellar Object in History
3I/ATLAS marks only the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through our solar system. The first, 1I/ʻOumuamua, was discovered in 2017 and remains a topic of ongoing research. It was followed by 2I/Borisov in 2019, a true interstellar comet. Now, 3I/ATLAS joins this exclusive group. According to Richard Moissl, head of ESA’s planetary defense division, the object poses no threat to Earth. Instead, it will pass deep through the solar system, briefly crossing Mars’ orbital path.
NASA Confirms Interstellar Comet Status
NASA has confirmed that 3I/ATLAS is a comet, currently traveling at a staggering 245,000 km/h relative to the Sun. It was officially discovered on July 1, 2025, but researchers have since traced its presence in earlier images dating back to June 14. As of now, it is approximately 670 million kilometers from Earth and is expected to come as close as 240 million kilometers to our planet and 210 million kilometers to the Sun. Its closest solar approach is predicted to occur on October 30.
Object Origin and Composition Under Investigation
The object is entering the solar system from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius. Researchers are working to determine its size, composition, and other characteristics. Early findings reported by astrophysicist Joseph M. Wheat Rodriguez suggest that 3I/ATLAS likely has a diameter between 20 and 40 kilometers and originates from the galactic disk. “It’s an extraordinarily fast visitor,” he wrote. “Due to its unique entry trajectory, it’s on track to break the Earth-relative speed record in April 2026, reaching nearly 90 km/s.”
ATLAS Telescope Gives Object Its Name
The comet’s name, 3I/ATLAS, reflects both its interstellar origin (“I” for interstellar) and its discovery by the ATLAS system. Developed to detect potentially hazardous asteroids, ATLAS has once again proven its value in identifying significant cosmic phenomena. This latest discovery is particularly noteworthy because of the object’s size and speed.
ESA and Global Astronomers Closely Monitoring
The European Space Agency (ESA) is also closely observing the comet. Scientists believe 3I/ATLAS is an active comet that will likely release material as it gets closer to the Sun, forming a visible tail. Although it will not pose any danger to Earth, its trajectory will take it behind the Sun during its closest approach, making it briefly unobservable from Earth. However, ESA notes that it should reappear in December, offering astronomers another opportunity to study the interstellar traveler in greater detail.
A Brief but Valuable Encounter
While its journey through our solar system will be brief, 3I/ATLAS presents a rare opportunity for scientists to study an object from beyond our stellar neighborhood. These interstellar visitors are windows into the conditions and materials found in other parts of the galaxy. For now, all eyes remain on this high-speed voyager as it continues its passage through our cosmic backyard.