What is an interstellar object?

An interstellar object is a celestial body, such as an asteroid or comet, that originates from outside our solar system and travels through it.

How was the interstellar object 3i/Atlas discovered?

The Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), designed to detect near-earth objects, discovered 3i/Atlas. ATLAS uses robotic telescopes to scan the sky for potentially hazardous asteroids, but it also picks up other fascinating space rocks.

how fast is the interstellar object 3i/Atlas moving?

3i/Atlas is blazing through our solar system at approximately 58 kilometers per second (about 130,000 miles per hour). This is nearly twice the speed of the second interstellar object, 2I/Borisov.

When will the interstellar object 3i/Atlas be closest to the Sun?

Current projections indicate that 3i/Atlas will reach perihelion (its closest approach to the Sun) around October 29, 2025. For about three weeks, it will pass Mars at a distance of 0.2 AU (astronomical units).

Is the interstellar object 3i/Atlas a threat to Earth?

No, astronomers emphasize that 3i/Atlas poses no threat to Earth.It will pass Mars at a distance of 0.2 AU, while Earth orbits at 1 AU. However, the finding highlights the constant presence of interstellar objects in our cosmic neighborhood.

What is the importance of studying interstellar objects?

Studying interstellar objects like 3i/Atlas provides valuable insights into the composition and formation of planetary systems beyond our own. They offer a unique possibility to sample material from other stars and understand the diversity of cosmic environments.

What exactly is an interstellar comet?

An interstellar comet is a comet that originated from outside our solar system and is traveling through it on a hyperbolic trajectory.

How do astronomers detect interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS?

Astronomers use powerful telescopes, such as the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), to scan the sky for objects with unusual trajectories and velocities, indicating an origin outside our solar system.

Is interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS a threat to Earth?

No, 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth. It will remain at a safe distance of at least 240 million kilometers (150 million miles).

What can we learn from studying interstellar comets?

Studying interstellar comets provides insights into the composition and formation of planetary systems beyond our own,helping us understand the diversity of worlds in the galaxy.

How big is the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS?

Scientists estimate that 3I/ATLAS is up to 20 kilometers (12 miles) in diameter.

What makes interstellar comets different from comets in our solar system?

Interstellar comets originate from other star systems, meaning they are composed of materials formed in different environments and under different conditions than comets within our solar system.

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Comet

Technology

Hubble’s Latest Photo Reveals Details of the 3I/Atlas Comet

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor August 9, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Mysterious Interstellar Object 3i/Atlas Sparks Scientific Excitement

Astronomers are closely observing 3i/Atlas, a recently discovered interstellar object currently traversing our solar system, offering a rare chance to study material originating from another star system. The object, detected in early 2024, is estimated to be the largest interstellar object observed to date, possibly ranging from 0.32 to 5.6 kilometers in diameter.

For scientists, each interstellar object (ISO) represents a valuable “sample” from a distant star system. Wes Fraser, an astronomer at the National Research Council Canada, likened these isos to “low fruit” providing insights into planetary systems beyond our own. Studying 3i/atlas’s composition,size,and trajectory could reveal characteristics of the planets orbiting it’s parent star.

This revelation builds upon previous observations of interstellar visitors. The first confirmed ISO, 1i/? Oumuamua, was detected in 2017 and estimated to be approximately 0.4 kilometers in diameter. In 2019, 2i/Borisov, a comet with a core around 1 kilometer wide, became the second confirmed interstellar object.3i/Atlas significantly surpasses both in potential size.

The object was first spotted by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact last Alert System (ATLAS) telescopes located at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii,hence its designation. Its hyperbolic trajectory confirms its interstellar origin, meaning it isn’t gravitationally bound to our Sun.

Researchers are utilizing ground-based telescopes like the very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile and space-based observatories,including the James Webb Space Telescope,to gather data on 3i/atlas. Analysis will focus on determining its composition – whether it’s primarily rocky, icy, or metallic – and understanding its origins. The object is currently moving away from the Sun, having made its closest approach in late September 2024.

1i/? Oumuamua (2017) – Asteroid,diameter ± 0.4 km
2i/Borisov (2019) – Comet, core ± 1 km
3i/Atlas (2024) – Estimated 0.32-5.6 km, largest observed ISO

The study of comets like 3i/Atlas offers valuable data about planet formation, the distribution of materials within galaxies, and the potential for planetary systems similar to our own. These interstellar travelers provide a unique window into the diversity of planetary systems beyond our solar neighborhood, potentially informing theories about the prevalence of life elsewhere in the universe.

Read too: What is 3i/Atlas,inter -star wandeys that cross our solar system?

August 9, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Rare Meteor Shower: Three Storms to Watch in July 2025

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor July 30, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight: A Celestial Spectacle Awaits

Stargazers across mainland France can anticipate a dazzling display of shooting stars tonight, with peak activity expected between 10 p.m.and midnight. The celestial event offers a prime opportunity for amateur astronomers and the curious to witness the ephemeral beauty of meteors streaking across the night sky.

The ideal viewing window for this meteor shower extends from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., with the most intense activity anticipated around 2 a.m. Adding to the favorable viewing conditions, the moon, in its unloved crescent phase, will set early in the evening, ensuring a dark and unobstructed sky.

For the best experience, experts recommend seeking out locations away from light pollution, such as the countryside or higher altitudes. A clear view towards the southeast is especially beneficial,as this is the direction from which the radiant swarms of meteors emerge. No special equipment is needed, as these shooting stars are readily visible to the naked eye. To maximize yoru chances of spotting them, lie down, switch off electronic devices, and allow your eyes at least 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

The origins of these celestial visitors are rooted in the remnants of comets and, less commonly, asteroids. As these tiny particles, often referred to as dust, enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds, they heat up and ionize the surrounding air, creating the luminous trails we perceive as meteors.

Specifically, the Southern Aquarids Delta are associated with the comet 96p/Machholz, a short-period comet that some researchers believe may have originated from another solar system. This comet traverses near the sun every 5.3 years, leaving a trail of debris in its wake. The Alpha Capricornids, on the other hand, have an asteroidal origin, stemming from the former comet 169p/Neat, which is now considered inactive. This “dead” comet, whose nucleus has likely dried out, continues to scatter its remains across space. The Austrinid Piscs, the most discreet of the three, are thought to be linked to an unconfirmed comet, possibly C/1977 R1 (Skiff-Kosai), though their exact origin remains unclear due to their low activity and southerly location. These meteors reach their peak activity between 10 p.m. and midnight, with an estimated 3 to 5 meteors per hour. Their radiant point is situated in the small southern constellation of Piscis Austrinus, near the southern horizon. For optimal viewing of the Austrinid Piscs, it is advisable to try your luck shortly after twilight, before their radiant dips below the horizon.

July 30, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Comet 3I/Atlas: An Interstellar Visitor and Scientific Mystery

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor July 23, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Here’s a rewritten version of the article, aiming for 100% uniqueness while preserving the core message:

Mysterious Interstellar Visitor 3I/Atlas Offers Glimpse into Cosmic Origins

The celestial wanderer known as 3I/Atlas is captivating astronomers with its unusual trajectory, a key indicator that this visitor hails from beyond our solar system. Scientists theorize that 3I/Atlas was ejected from another star system, likely due to the gravitational tug-of-war with a massive planet or a neighboring star. The exact origins and timeline of its epic journey remain a profound mystery, adding an element of intrigue to this cosmic adventure.

This celestial enigma highlights the universe’s capacity for crafting extraordinary narratives, reminding us of the vast and ofen surprising processes that shape our cosmos.

Perihelion Approach: A Moment of Intense Observation

Comet 3I/Atlas is anticipated to reach its closest point to the Sun, known as perihelion, on October 30, 2025.This celestial rendezvous will occur between the orbits of Earth and Mars, at a distance of approximately 210 million kilometers. During this phase, the comet‘s brightness and activity are expected to surge, presenting an optimal window for detailed scientific scrutiny.Initial observations from projects like the Virtual Telescope Project have captured a distinct point of light, marking its movement across the night sky.Following its perihelion passage,3I/Atlas will begin its departure from our solar system,embarking on another long voyage into the frigid expanse of interstellar space.

After its closest approach to the Sun, the comet is poised to exit the solar system’s gravitational embrace. It will resume its highly elliptical orbit, a path that will carry it back into the darkness between stars. This phenomenon underscores the dynamic nature of celestial bodies on a grand scale, illustrating how comets can spend vast epochs in the distant reaches of the solar system before occasionally venturing into the inner regions, becoming visible from Earth.

Scientific Importance of 3I/atlas

The study of 3I/atlas holds immense potential for scientific discovery.if its composition mirrors that of comets originating within our solar system, it could suggest that planetary systems elsewhere form from similar primordial materials. Conversely, any significant compositional differences could unveil novel insights into the unique characteristics of other star systems within our galaxy.

Leading astronomers, including Larry Denneau and mario Jurić, eagerly anticipate further observations that could illuminate the comet’s size, chemical makeup, and internal structure. The capabilities of advanced instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope are expected to provide crucial, high-precision data.

the hope surrounding this distant object is palpable, akin to awaiting a message from a long-lost acquaintance.

Comet 3I/Atlas is far more than just a frozen body traversing the sky; it represents a cosmic dispatch, a testament to the untold stories held within the interstellar void. Its brief but impactful appearance has ignited humanity’s innate curiosity, opening new avenues for understanding the origins of life and the intricate workings of the universe.

Each celestial object of this nature acts as a portal, unlocking secrets of the cosmos and offering clues about the complexity and dynamism of our galaxy. 3I/Atlas presents a significant opportunity for science to refine its understanding of the universe, serving as a potent reminder that space exploration continues to hold a universe of undiscovered wonders.

July 23, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Content Writing Tips: Improve Your Skills & Productivity

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor July 11, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Science According to their people, a mysterious interstellar object identified by astronomers last week may be the oldest comet to have ever seen.

The team from Oxford University, 3I/Atlas, suggests that this object can be 3 billion years older than our own solar system.

The pre -findings were presented today at the national meeting of the Royal Astronomy Society of England in Durham. “3/Atlas excited us all very much, Mat said Matthew Hopkins from Oxford University, BBC. Based on the speed of the object, Hopkins says it can be older than 7 billion years and may be the most remarkable international visitor so far.

As far as Jupiter

3I/Atlas was first identified on 1 July 2025 when the Atlas research in Chile was about 670 million km away from the Sun. Currently, it can only be seen with very large telescopes and Worldas far as Jupiter. Since then, astronomers around the world have been competing to determine his path and discover more details about him.

Hopkins believes that the Milky Way is caused by the “thick disk”. This is a group of old stars that rotate in orbit above and under the area where the Sun and most stars are located. The team believes that 3I/Atlas is probably formed around an old star. This means that when it approaches the Sun towards the end of this year, the energy coming from the Sun will heat the surface of the object and cause vapor and dust flames. This can create a shining tail.

“It was never seen closely”

Prof Chris Lintot, the co -author of the study, said, “This is an object that comes from a part of the galaxy that we have never seen before. We think that this comet is older than the solar system and that it has been dragging in interstellar space since then,” he said.

Hopkins, around the other stars around the other stars, at the beginning of the life of these stars, this connection with the main stars, this connection means that we can look at the star population of the Milky Way, “he added.

In the future days of this year, 3/Atlas can be seen from the Earth with amateur telescopes. 3/Atlas were only seen before becoming visible. One of them was 1I/’Oumuamua in 2017 and the other was 2I/Borisov discovered in 2019.

July 11, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Interstellar Object Sviští: Third Detection Sparks Solar System Excitement

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor July 5, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

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Third Interstellar Object, 3i/Atlas, Detected Whizzing Through Our Solar System

Table of Contents

Third Interstellar Object, 3i/Atlas, Detected Whizzing Through Our Solar System

In a cosmic blink,the third interstellar object has been spotted tearing through our solar system.Dubbed 3i/Atlas, this likely comet was detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 2, 2025. This marks only the third time astronomers have observed a visitor from beyond our solar system, following 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov.

Discovery of 3i/Atlas

ATLAS, a robotic system designed to detect near-Earth asteroids, identified the object, initially designated A11PL3z, at a distance of 4.53 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun. Further analysis of older ATLAS data traced the object back to observations from June 25-29, 2025. Currently, 3i/Atlas is located near the constellations Serpens Cauda and Sagittarius.

Did You Know? An astronomical unit (AU) is the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, approximately 93 million miles (150 million kilometers).

An Extreme Trajectory

Calculations reveal that 3i/atlas possesses an exceptionally eccentric orbit, with an eccentricity of approximately 6.1. This is nearly double the eccentricity of the previous record holder, 2I/Borisov. Its inclination of 175.1° suggests that it originated within a thin galactic disk. The object is traveling at roughly 58 kilometers per second (km/s), almost twice the speed of 2I/Borisov. For context, the Voyager 1 spacecraft travels at about 16.9 km/s [Voyager Project].

Close Encounter with Mars

Current estimates predict that 3i/Atlas will reach perihelion around October 29, 2025, passing within 0.2 AU of Mars for approximately three weeks. while this is a relatively close encounter on a cosmic scale, astronomers assure that 3i/Atlas poses no threat to Earth, which orbits the Sun at a distance of 1 AU.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on astronomy news outlets for updated trajectory data as observations continue to refine the orbital parameters of 3i/Atlas.

Interstellar Visitors: A New Normal?

The discovery of a third interstellar object suggests that thes cosmic wanderers may be more common than previously thought. Each object provides a unique opportunity to study material from other star systems, offering valuable insights into the formation and composition of planetary systems beyond our own. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which achieved frist light in May 2024, will substantially enhance our ability to detect these objects [Rubin observatory].

3i/Atlas key Data

Property	Value
Discovery Date	July 2, 2025
Designation	3i/Atlas (formerly A11PL3z)
Speed	58 km/s
Eccentricity	6.1
Perihelion	October 29, 2025 (estimated)

The Significance of Interstellar Object Discoveries

The detection of interstellar objects like 3i/Atlas is revolutionizing our understanding of the galaxy. These objects are remnants from other star systems, carrying with them clues about the conditions and materials present in those distant environments. By studying their composition and trajectories, scientists can piece together a more complete picture of how planetary systems form and evolve throughout the universe.

furthermore, the increasing frequency of these discoveries suggests that our solar system is constantly interacting with interstellar debris. This has implications for the study of astrobiology, as these objects could potentially carry organic molecules or even the building blocks of life from one star system to another.

Frequently Asked Questions About Interstellar Objects

What are the challenges in studying interstellar objects?: Interstellar objects are often small and faint, making them difficult to detect and track. Their high speeds and unpredictable trajectories also pose challenges for observation and analysis. Furthermore, the limited time window for studying these objects as they pass

July 5, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: Astronomers Track Rare Visitor

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor July 4, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: Rare Visitor Nearing Solar System

Table of Contents

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: Rare Visitor Nearing Solar System

Astronomers are closely tracking interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it hurtles toward the inner solar system, with its closest solar approach expected in October 2025 [2]. This icy wanderer,only the third of its kind ever observed,offers a unique opportunity to study material from beyond our solar system,perhaps revealing clues about the formation of other planetary systems [1].

what is Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS?

Designated 3I/ATLAS, this interstellar comet is a cosmic interloper, originating from outside our solar system [3]. It follows in the footsteps of 1I/ʻOumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019) as only the third interstellar object ever detected. Currently, 3I/ATLAS is approximately 670 million kilometers (420 million miles) from the Sun.

did you Know? The ATLAS telescope in Hawai’i, which discovered 3I/ATLAS, continuously scans the sky for potentially hazardous objects, but the odds of an interstellar object actually hitting Earth are less then 1 in 10 million each year.

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: Astronomers Track Rare Visitor

The discovery image of 3I/ATLAS from the ATLAS telescope. Image credit: University of Hawai’i.

3I/ATLAS’s Journey Through Our Solar System

the comet is expected to make its closest approach to the Sun in October 2025, passing just inside Mars’ orbit. While it poses no threat to Earth,remaining at least 240 million kilometers (150 million miles) away,its trajectory offers a valuable opportunity for observation. Scientists estimate 3I/ATLAS to be up to 20 kilometers (12 miles) in diameter, traveling at roughly 60 kilometers per second (37 miles per second) relative to the Sun.

As 3I/ATLAS nears the Sun,it may undergo sublimation,transforming frozen gases directly into vapor,creating a glowing coma and tail.However, its closest approach will occur while it’s hidden behind the Sun, with a potential reappearance in early December 2025 for further study.

why is 3I/ATLAS Vital?

Interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS are “absolutely foreign” because they originate from other planetary systems, carrying clues about their formation. Studying 3I/ATLAS provides a tangible connection to the broader galaxy, offering insights into materials formed in environments unlike our own. ESA astronomers emphasize that these comets offer a rare chance to “touch somthing truly otherworldly,” bridging humankind with the universe on a grand scale [1].

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on astronomy news in late 2025 for potential viewing opportunities as 3I/ATLAS reappears from behind the sun.

key Facts About Comet 3I/ATLAS

Fact	Details
Type	interstellar comet
Designation	3I/ATLAS
Diameter (estimated)	Up to 20 km (12 miles)
Closest Solar Approach	October 2025
Minimum Distance from Earth	240 million km (150 million miles)
Discovery System	Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS)

ongoing Research

Telescopes in Hawai’i, Chile, and other locations are actively monitoring 3I/ATLAS to analyze its composition and behavior. This research aims to unlock the secrets of its origin and the environment in which it formed.

What questions do you have about interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How might the study of interstellar comets change our understanding of the universe?

The Importance of Interstellar Objects

Interstellar objects provide a unique window into planetary systems beyond our own. Their composition and trajectory can reveal information about the conditions and processes that shaped these distant worlds. By studying these cosmic visitors, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of the diversity of planetary systems in the galaxy and the building blocks of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About interstellar Comets

Stay tuned to world-today-news.com for the latest updates on 3I/ATLAS and other exciting space discoveries. Share this article with your friends and family and subscribe to our newsletter for more captivating news!

July 4, 2025 0 comments

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