Astronomers have confirmed the detection of an interstellar object, speeding towards the inner solar system. This is the third time an object from outside the solar system has been found. The object, likely a comet, was first detected in data collected by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Chile.
According to observations from multiple telescopes around the world, including the Zwicky Transient Facility at the Palomar Observatory, the object is originating from interstellar space and will pass within 150 million miles of Earth. It is traveling at a speed of approximately 152,000 mph and is expected to reach its closest approach to the sun on October 30.
The comet poses no threat to Earth and will remain at a safe distance. Astronomers will continue to investigate its size and physical properties until September, after which it will be too close to the sun to remain visible. The comet is expected to reappear on the other side of the sun in early December.
This discovery marks only the third recorded interstellar object entering the inner solar system. Previous examples include the cigar-shaped object “Oumuamua” detected in 2017 and the comet “21/Borisov” located in 2019.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/astronomers-spot-interstellar-object-speeding-solar-system/story?id=123448499