A mysterious object from outside our solar system is hurtling towards the sun at approximately 61 kilometres per second. Designated 3I/Atlas, it is only the third known interstellar object ever observed, following 'Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019.
First detected in July, the comet has sparked excitement among astronomers after the Hubble Space Telescope captured an image of the interstellar interloper. This rare opportunity allows scientists to analyse its size and chemical composition in unprecedented detail.
“We’ve never had an object like this to study before,” said Dr Rebecca Allen, co-director of Swinburne’s Space Technology and Industry Institute. The object's trajectory and origin remain subjects of intense study, with researchers eager to learn more about its journey through our solar system.
Stargazers may have a chance to observe 3I/Atlas as it continues its path, though its high speed and distance make it a challenging target for amateur telescopes. The object's discovery adds to the growing catalogue of interstellar visitors, offering clues about the composition of other star systems.
