Astronomers have discovered a potential “interstellar visitor” hurtling through the solar system, which is headed towards Earth. The newly found object, A11pl3Z, appears to be moving too fast and straight to have originated in our cosmic neighborhood.
If confirmed, it will be the third interstellar object ever spotted. A11pl3Z was first detected in data collected between June 25 and June 29 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii and South Africa. The object’s speed of around 152,000 mph suggests it originated from beyond the sun’s gravitational influence.
Astronomers believe A11pl3Z is likely a large asteroid or comet, potentially spanning up to 12 miles in diameter. Its trajectory indicates it will make its closest approach to the sun on October 23 and then leave our solar system for good. Earth will not be affected by the object’s visit.
The discovery was confirmed by NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies and the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center. Further observations are needed to determine A11pl3Z’s size, shape, and origins. Researchers will continue to study the object using advanced telescopes like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which is set to provide better tracking and imaging capabilities.
This discovery marks the third confirmed interstellar visitor in our solar system, following Comet 2I/Borisov and ‘Oumuamua. Scientists had long suspected that many more interstellar objects may pass through our cosmic neighborhood without detection.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/space/asteroids/astronomers-spot-potential-interstellar-visitor-shooting-through-the-solar-system-toward-earth