NASA Unveils New Name for Mysterious Interstellar Visitor Zooming Through Our Solar System!

NASA scientists have an exciting discovery: a mysterious object zooming through our solar system is confirmed to be an “interstellar object.” This is only the third of its kind ever detected. Initially named A11pl3Z, it now has the official name 3I/ATLAS and is likely a comet, not an asteroid.

The object was spotted by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) between June 25 and June 29. Telescopes in Hawaii, Chile, and South Africa helped capture its journey. Scientists have calculated it travels at a staggering speed of around 152,000 mph (245,000 km/h) on a flat, straight path that suggests it came from outside our solar system’s gravitational pull.

NASA announced this discovery on July 2, stating that 3I/ATLAS will only pass through our solar neighborhood briefly. It is currently about 4.5 times farther from the sun than Earth and is expected to make its closest approach to the sun on October 30, coming within 1.4 astronomical units (AU) of our star. Shortly before this, it will swing near Mars, getting as close as 0.4 AU.

In December, when the comet returns from its journey, it will be on the opposite side of the sun from Earth, ensuring there’s no threat. NASA assures us that the minimum safe distance from Earth will be at least 1.6 AU.

Only two other interstellar objects have been confirmed before this: the comet 2I/Borisov in 2019 and ‘Oumuamua in 2017. While 3I/ATLAS was initially thought to be an asteroid, it shows signs of having a coma—a gas cloud typically found around comets—and a tail, which makes it more comet-like.

Interestingly, researchers believe countless interstellar objects likely pass through our solar system undetected. A recent study suggested there could be over a million such objects lurking in the outer solar system, each larger than the Statue of Liberty. Could some of these also be comets? It’s a question that sparks curiosity in the scientific community.

3I/ATLAS is currently too faint for amateur stargazers to see, but it might brighten soon. Astronomers worldwide are keenly watching its path. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, the most powerful optical telescope, plans to capture images of it, along with potential help from the James Webb Space Telescope.

In our social media age, the excitement is palpable. Many are sharing their thoughts on this cosmic visitor, with astronomers and enthusiasts alike fueling lively discussions. As 3I/ATLAS continues its journey, it serves as a reminder that there’s so much more to explore beyond our planet. For the latest updates, check NASA’s reports and other trusted sources.

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