Astronomers at NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies and the International Astronomical Union have confirmed a third known interstellar visitor to our Solar System. The object, initially designated as A11pl3Z, was detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 1.
The cosmic interloper is moving at an astonishing speed of around 245,000km/h, exceeding the escape velocity from the Sun’s gravity. Its eccentric orbit has an estimated eccentricity of 6.3, making it one of the most extreme orbits ever recorded in our Solar System.
Experts suggest that this object may be more common than previously thought, possibly originating from nearby star systems such as Alpha Centauri. Recent research published in The Planetary Science Journal estimates that up to a million objects from Alpha Centauri could already be in the outer reaches of our Solar System.
The discovery of 3I/ATLAS offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy and expands our catalogue of interstellar visitors. Powerful new observatories like the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory are expected to revolutionize our search for these elusive objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones.
For now, 3I/ATLAS is classified as a comet by the IAU Minor Planet Center, but some scientists argue it might be an asteroid based on its characteristics. Further observations will be needed to confirm its nature. The object is expected to reach its closest point to the Sun on October 29 and pose no threat to our planet.
Source: https://theconversation.com/astronomers-have-spied-an-interstellar-object-zooming-through-the-solar-system-260422