Astronomers have confirmed that an interstellar object, named 3I/ATLAS or C/2025 N1, is visiting our solar system for the third time. The newly discovered space rock could be as large as 12 miles (20 km) in diameter and is currently hurtling toward the sun at a high speed.
The object’s trajectory indicates it did not originate from within our own solar system, making it the third known interstellar visitor to enter our solar system after ‘Oumuamua and Comet 2I/Borisov. The International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center has confirmed its new designation and added it to their Near-Earth Object confirmation list.
According to current indications, the object is likely a comet, but further observations are needed to confirm its nature. Images from amateur astronomers have helped track the object’s movement, showing that it is indeed interstellar in origin.
The object will make its closest approach to the sun in October 2025, at about twice as far as Earth is from the sun. It will also come within 0.4 AU of Mars, making it just barely observable by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Experts estimate that the object could be as large as 12 miles (20 km) in diameter and will have a velocity relative to Earth of about 90 km/s next April, setting a record for interstellar objects.
Source: https://earthsky.org/space/new-interstellar-object-candidate-heading-toward-the-sun-a11pl3z