A new interstellar object has been detected zooming through our solar system, prompting astronomers worldwide to track it down with their telescopes. This is only the third known visitor from another star system.
The comet, initially designated as A11pl3Z, was recently spotted. It’s one of three objects from other star systems that have been observed so far. The first object, ‘Oumuamua, was seen in October 2017 and sparked controversy due to its unusual acceleration, which led some to speculate it could be an alien spaceship.
A second interstellar object, comet Borisov, was spotted in 2019. This earlier sighting allowed scientists to study the object more thoroughly. The latest discovery provides further insight into these rare events.
Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2486670-interstellar-comet-hurtling-through-solar-system-named-3i-atlas