A newly discovered object is sparking excitement among astronomers as it enters our solar system. Officially named 3I/ATLAS, the comet is believed to have originated from outside our solar system and is only the third celestial body from beyond our solar system to be observed in our corner of the universe.
The comet’s speed and path are two strong indicators that it came from elsewhere. It is moving at nearly 37 miles per second, too fast to be a local object, and its orbit takes a nearly straight line through the solar system. Tracking its movement reveals that it likely originated from another solar system and has been traveling through interstellar space for millions of years.
Astronomers have been eagerly observing the comet with telescopes around the world since its initial sighting in Chile on Tuesday. The comet will make several close approaches to planets, including Mars on October 2, but poses no threat to Earth. It is expected to remain visible for ground-based telescope observations until September and reappear on the other side of the sun in early December.
Further study of this interstellar object could reveal new insights into comets and asteroids that formed around other stars, providing a broader understanding of planets beyond our solar system and how they form.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/03/science/interstellar-object-comet-3i-atlas