Astronomers have spied an interstellar object zooming through the Solar System - The Conversation

Experts have observed that academic rigour, journalistic flair kirsten banks , swinburne university of technology author kirsten banks lecturer, school of science, computing and engineering technologies, swinburne university of technology disclosure statement kirsten banks does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that partners swinburne university of technology provides funding as a member of the conversation au. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that the conversation is funded by the national research foundation, eight universities, including the cape peninsula university of technology, rhodes university, stellenbosch university and the universities of cape town, johannesburg, kwa-zulu natal, pretoria, and south africa. This has significant implications for the broader context. Additionally, recent studies show Analysis suggests that it is hosted by the universities of the witwatersrand and western cape, the african population and health research centre and the nigerian academy of science. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that it is hosted by the universities of the witwatersrand and western cape, the african population and health research centre and the nigerian academy of science. This has significant implications for the broader context. On the other hand, some argue that Recent developments indicate that the bill & melinda gates foundation is a strategic partner. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, more copy link email x (twitter) bluesky facebook linkedin whatsapp messenger https://theconversation.com/astronomers-have-spied-an-interstellar-object-zooming-through-the-solar-system-260422 link copied share article this week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that first detected by the asteroid terrestrial-impact last alert system (atlas) on july 1, the cosmic interloper was given the temporary name a11pl3z. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, experts at nasa’s center for near earth object studies and the international astronomical union (iau) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: i3/atlas. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that experts at nasa’s center for near earth object studies and the international astronomical union (iau) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: i3/atlas. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that there are a few strong clues that suggest 3i/atlas came from outside the solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that there are a few strong clues that suggest 3i/atlas came from outside the solar system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that first, it’s moving really fast. This has significant implications for the broader context. Additionally, recent studies show From a different angle, first, it’s moving really fast. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that current observations show it speeding through space at around 245,000km per hour. This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Analysis suggests that current observations show it speeding through space at around 245,000km per hour. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, that’s more than enough to escape the sun’s gravity. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. On the other hand, some argue that Recent developments indicate that an object near earth’s orbit would only need to be travelling at just over 150,000km/h to break free from the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, an object near earth’s orbit would only need to be travelling at just over 150,000km/h to break free from the solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Experts have observed that second, 3i/atlas has a wildly eccentric orbit around the sun. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that second, 3i/atlas has a wildly eccentric orbit around the sun. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Recent developments indicate that eccentricity measures how “stretched” an orbit is: 0 eccentricity is a perfect circle, and anything up to 1 is an increasingly strung-out ellipse. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that above 1 is an orbit that is not bound to the sun. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. On the other hand, some argue that From a different angle, 3i/atlas has an estimated eccentricity of 6.3, by far the highest ever recorded for any object in the solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that 3i/atlas has an estimated eccentricity of 6.3, by far the highest ever recorded for any object in the solar system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that has anything like this happened before? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that has anything like this happened before? This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Additionally, recent studies show Analysis suggests that the first interstellar object spotted in our solar system was the cigar-shaped ‘oumuamua , discovered in 2017 by the pan-starrs1 telescope in hawaii. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that the first interstellar object spotted in our solar system was the cigar-shaped ‘oumuamua , discovered in 2017 by the pan-starrs1 telescope in hawaii. This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Recent developments indicate that scientists tracked it for 80 days before eventually confirming it came from interstellar space. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, the second interstellar visitor, comet 2i/borisov , was discovered two years later by amateur astronomer gennadiy borisov. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that the second interstellar visitor, comet 2i/borisov , was discovered two years later by amateur astronomer gennadiy borisov. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, this time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. On the other hand, some argue that Experts have observed that this time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, this time, the interstellar origin of i3/atlas has been confirmed in a matter of days. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Additionally, recent studies show Analysis suggests that how did it get here? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that we have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including i3/atlas), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Recent developments indicate that we have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including i3/atlas), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that however, recent research published in the planetary science journal suggests these objects might be more common than we once thought. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Moreover, this development highlights Recent developments indicate that in particular, they may come from relatively nearby star systems such as alpha centauri (our nearest interstellar neighbour, a mere 4.4 light years away). This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider From a different angle, alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. From a different angle, if it flings out material in the same way our solar system does, scientists estimate around a million objects from alpha centauri larger than 100 metres in diameter could already be in the outer reaches of our solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Analysis suggests that that number could increase tenfold as alpha centauri gets closer. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that most of this material would have been ejected at relatively low speeds, less than 2km/s, making it more likely to drift into our cosmic neighbourhood over time and not dramatically zoom in and out of the solar system like i3/atlas appears to be doing. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Analysis suggests that while the chance of one of these objects coming close to the sun is extremely small, the study suggests a few tiny meteors from alpha centauri, likely no bigger than grains of sand, may already hit earth’s atmosphere every year. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that while the chance of one of these objects coming close to the sun is extremely small, the study suggests a few tiny meteors from alpha centauri, likely no bigger than grains of sand, may already hit earth’s atmosphere every year. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Moreover, this development highlights From a different angle, why is this interesting? This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that why is this interesting? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Moreover, this development highlights Experts have observed that discovering new interstellar visitors like 3i/atlas is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, discovering new interstellar visitors like 3i/atlas is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. On the other hand, some argue that Recent developments indicate that every confirmed interstellar object expands our catalogue and helps scientists better understand the nature of these visitors, how they travel through space, and where they might have come from. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that every confirmed interstellar object expands our catalogue and helps scientists better understand the nature of these visitors, how they travel through space, and where they might have come from. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. On the other hand, some argue that From a different angle, thanks to powerful new observatories such as the nsf–doe vera c. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that rubin observatory , our ability to detect these elusive objects is rapidly improving. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that in fact, during its first 10 hours of test imaging, rubin revealed 2,104 previously unknown asteroids . This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that in fact, during its first 10 hours of test imaging, rubin revealed 2,104 previously unknown asteroids . This has significant implications for the broader context. On the other hand, some argue that From a different angle, this is an astonishing preview of what’s to come. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that this is an astonishing preview of what’s to come. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. On the other hand, some argue that From a different angle, with its wide field of view and constant sky coverage, rubin is expected to revolutionise our search for interstellar objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that what now? This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Analysis suggests that what now? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that there’s still plenty left to uncover about 3i/atlas. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Analysis suggests that right now, it’s officially classified as a comet by the iau minor planet center. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, right now, it’s officially classified as a comet by the iau minor planet center. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider From a different angle, but some scientists argue it might actually be an asteroid , roughly 20km across, based on the lack of typical comet-like features such as a glowing coma or a tail. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that more observations will be needed to confirm its nature. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Recent developments indicate that more observations will be needed to confirm its nature. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, currently, 3i/atlas is inbound, just inside jupiter’s orbit. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that currently, 3i/atlas is inbound, just inside jupiter’s orbit. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that it’s expected to reach its closest point to the sun, slightly closer than the planet mars, on october 29. This has significant implications for the broader context. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that after that, it will swing back out towards deep space, making its closest approach to earth in december. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that after that, it will swing back out towards deep space, making its closest approach to earth in december. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that (it will pose no threat to our planet.) whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3i/atlas is a messenger from another star system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that (it will pose no threat to our planet.) whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3i/atlas is a messenger from another star system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Moreover, this development highlights Experts have observed that for now, these sightings are rare – though as next-generation observatories such as rubin swing into operation, we may discover interstellar companions all around. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that astronomy asteroids solar system alpha centauri comets interstellar space interstellar object 'oumuamua space rocks events rethinking vulnerability in bioethics — cape town, western cape call for nominations: 2025 nas gold medal — lagos, lagos african clinvar submission drive — postgraduate diploma in public law focusing on local government — cape town, western cape southern african law teachers conference — pretoria, gauteng more events want to write? This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Analysis suggests that astronomy asteroids solar system alpha centauri comets interstellar space interstellar object 'oumuamua space rocks events rethinking vulnerability in bioethics — cape town, western cape call for nominations: 2025 nas gold medal — lagos, lagos african clinvar submission drive — postgraduate diploma in public law focusing on local government — cape town, western cape southern african law teachers conference — pretoria, gauteng more events want to write? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that write an article and join a growing community of more than 206,700 academics and researchers from 5,244 institutions. This has significant implications for the broader context. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that register now ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ kirsten banks , swinburne university of technology author kirsten banks lecturer, school of science, computing and engineering technologies, swinburne university of technology disclosure statement kirsten banks does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that register now ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ kirsten banks , swinburne university of technology author kirsten banks lecturer, school of science, computing and engineering technologies, swinburne university of technology disclosure statement kirsten banks does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider From a different angle, partners swinburne university of technology provides funding as a member of the conversation au. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that the conversation is funded by the national research foundation, eight universities, including the cape peninsula university of technology, rhodes university, stellenbosch university and the universities of cape town, johannesburg, kwa-zulu natal, pretoria, and south africa. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that it is hosted by the universities of the witwatersrand and western cape, the african population and health research centre and the nigerian academy of science. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that the bill & melinda gates foundation is a strategic partner. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that the bill & melinda gates foundation is a strategic partner. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that more copy link email x (twitter) bluesky facebook linkedin whatsapp messenger https://theconversation.com/astronomers-have-spied-an-interstellar-object-zooming-through-the-solar-system-260422 link copied share article this week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our solar system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider From a different angle, first detected by the asteroid terrestrial-impact last alert system (atlas) on july 1, the cosmic interloper was given the temporary name a11pl3z. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that first detected by the asteroid terrestrial-impact last alert system (atlas) on july 1, the cosmic interloper was given the temporary name a11pl3z. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Recent developments indicate that experts at nasa’s center for near earth object studies and the international astronomical union (iau) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: i3/atlas. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that experts at nasa’s center for near earth object studies and the international astronomical union (iau) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: i3/atlas. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that there are a few strong clues that suggest 3i/atlas came from outside the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, there are a few strong clues that suggest 3i/atlas came from outside the solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that first, it’s moving really fast. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that current observations show it speeding through space at around 245,000km per hour. This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Analysis suggests that that’s more than enough to escape the sun’s gravity. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that that’s more than enough to escape the sun’s gravity. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. On the other hand, some argue that Experts have observed that an object near earth’s orbit would only need to be travelling at just over 150,000km/h to break free from the solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that second, 3i/atlas has a wildly eccentric orbit around the sun. This has significant implications for the broader context. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider From a different angle, second, 3i/atlas has a wildly eccentric orbit around the sun. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that eccentricity measures how “stretched” an orbit is: 0 eccentricity is a perfect circle, and anything up to 1 is an increasingly strung-out ellipse. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Moreover, this development highlights From a different angle, above 1 is an orbit that is not bound to the sun. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that 3i/atlas has an estimated eccentricity of 6.3, by far the highest ever recorded for any object in the solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. On the other hand, some argue that Experts have observed that has anything like this happened before? This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that the first interstellar object spotted in our solar system was the cigar-shaped ‘oumuamua , discovered in 2017 by the pan-starrs1 telescope in hawaii. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. On the other hand, some argue that Experts have observed that scientists tracked it for 80 days before eventually confirming it came from interstellar space. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that the second interstellar visitor, comet 2i/borisov , was discovered two years later by amateur astronomer gennadiy borisov. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Experts have observed that this time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that this time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Experts have observed that this time, the interstellar origin of i3/atlas has been confirmed in a matter of days. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that this time, the interstellar origin of i3/atlas has been confirmed in a matter of days. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. On the other hand, some argue that Experts have observed that how did it get here? This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that how did it get here? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Moreover, this development highlights Analysis suggests that we have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including i3/atlas), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, we have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including i3/atlas), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Analysis suggests that however, recent research published in the planetary science journal suggests these objects might be more common than we once thought. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that however, recent research published in the planetary science journal suggests these objects might be more common than we once thought. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that in particular, they may come from relatively nearby star systems such as alpha centauri (our nearest interstellar neighbour, a mere 4.4 light years away). This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show From a different angle, alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that if it flings out material in the same way our solar system does, scientists estimate around a million objects from alpha centauri larger than 100 metres in diameter could already be in the outer reaches of our solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Additionally, recent studies show Analysis suggests that if it flings out material in the same way our solar system does, scientists estimate around a million objects from alpha centauri larger than 100 metres in diameter could already be in the outer reaches of our solar system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that that number could increase tenfold as alpha centauri gets closer. This has significant implications for the broader context. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that that number could increase tenfold as alpha centauri gets closer. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, most of this material would have been ejected at relatively low speeds, less than 2km/s, making it more likely to drift into our cosmic neighbourhood over time and not dramatically zoom in and out of the solar system like i3/atlas appears to be doing. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. On the other hand, some argue that Experts have observed that while the chance of one of these objects coming close to the sun is extremely small, the study suggests a few tiny meteors from alpha centauri, likely no bigger than grains of sand, may already hit earth’s atmosphere every year. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that why is this interesting? This has significant implications for the broader context. On the other hand, some argue that Recent developments indicate that discovering new interstellar visitors like 3i/atlas is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that every confirmed interstellar object expands our catalogue and helps scientists better understand the nature of these visitors, how they travel through space, and where they might have come from. This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Analysis suggests that every confirmed interstellar object expands our catalogue and helps scientists better understand the nature of these visitors, how they travel through space, and where they might have come from. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that thanks to powerful new observatories such as the nsf–doe vera c. This has significant implications for the broader context. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that rubin observatory , our ability to detect these elusive objects is rapidly improving. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that in fact, during its first 10 hours of test imaging, rubin revealed 2,104 previously unknown asteroids . This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Experts have observed that this is an astonishing preview of what’s to come. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that with its wide field of view and constant sky coverage, rubin is expected to revolutionise our search for interstellar objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Moreover, this development highlights From a different angle, with its wide field of view and constant sky coverage, rubin is expected to revolutionise our search for interstellar objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. From a different angle, what now? This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Additionally, recent studies show Analysis suggests that what now? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that there’s still plenty left to uncover about 3i/atlas. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that right now, it’s officially classified as a comet by the iau minor planet center. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that right now, it’s officially classified as a comet by the iau minor planet center. This has significant implications for the broader context. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Analysis suggests that but some scientists argue it might actually be an asteroid , roughly 20km across, based on the lack of typical comet-like features such as a glowing coma or a tail. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that but some scientists argue it might actually be an asteroid , roughly 20km across, based on the lack of typical comet-like features such as a glowing coma or a tail. This has significant implications for the broader context. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Experts have observed that more observations will be needed to confirm its nature. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that currently, 3i/atlas is inbound, just inside jupiter’s orbit. This has significant implications for the broader context. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Experts have observed that currently, 3i/atlas is inbound, just inside jupiter’s orbit. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, it’s expected to reach its closest point to the sun, slightly closer than the planet mars, on october 29. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Experts have observed that after that, it will swing back out towards deep space, making its closest approach to earth in december. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that (it will pose no threat to our planet.) whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3i/atlas is a messenger from another star system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Additionally, recent studies show From a different angle, (it will pose no threat to our planet.) whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3i/atlas is a messenger from another star system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that for now, these sightings are rare – though as next-generation observatories such as rubin swing into operation, we may discover interstellar companions all around. This has significant implications for the broader context. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that astronomy asteroids solar system alpha centauri comets interstellar space interstellar object 'oumuamua space rocks events rethinking vulnerability in bioethics — cape town, western cape call for nominations: 2025 nas gold medal — lagos, lagos african clinvar submission drive — postgraduate diploma in public law focusing on local government — cape town, western cape southern african law teachers conference — pretoria, gauteng more events want to write? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, astronomy asteroids solar system alpha centauri comets interstellar space interstellar object 'oumuamua space rocks events rethinking vulnerability in bioethics — cape town, western cape call for nominations: 2025 nas gold medal — lagos, lagos african clinvar submission drive — postgraduate diploma in public law focusing on local government — cape town, western cape southern african law teachers conference — pretoria, gauteng more events want to write? This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Analysis suggests that write an article and join a growing community of more than 206,700 academics and researchers from 5,244 institutions. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that register now kirsten banks , swinburne university of technology author kirsten banks lecturer, school of science, computing and engineering technologies, swinburne university of technology disclosure statement kirsten banks does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Moreover, this development highlights Experts have observed that partners swinburne university of technology provides funding as a member of the conversation au. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, partners swinburne university of technology provides funding as a member of the conversation au. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that the conversation is funded by the national research foundation, eight universities, including the cape peninsula university of technology, rhodes university, stellenbosch university and the universities of cape town, johannesburg, kwa-zulu natal, pretoria, and south africa. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that it is hosted by the universities of the witwatersrand and western cape, the african population and health research centre and the nigerian academy of science. This has significant implications for the broader context. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that the bill & melinda gates foundation is a strategic partner. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that the bill & melinda gates foundation is a strategic partner. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that more copy link email x (twitter) bluesky facebook linkedin whatsapp messenger https://theconversation.com/astronomers-have-spied-an-interstellar-object-zooming-through-the-solar-system-260422 link copied share article this week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our solar system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, first detected by the asteroid terrestrial-impact last alert system (atlas) on july 1, the cosmic interloper was given the temporary name a11pl3z. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Moreover, this development highlights Analysis suggests that experts at nasa’s center for near earth object studies and the international astronomical union (iau) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: i3/atlas. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that experts at nasa’s center for near earth object studies and the international astronomical union (iau) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: i3/atlas. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Recent developments indicate that there are a few strong clues that suggest 3i/atlas came from outside the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, there are a few strong clues that suggest 3i/atlas came from outside the solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Moreover, this development highlights Experts have observed that first, it’s moving really fast. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that first, it’s moving really fast. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. On the other hand, some argue that From a different angle, current observations show it speeding through space at around 245,000km per hour. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that that’s more than enough to escape the sun’s gravity. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Moreover, this development highlights Analysis suggests that that’s more than enough to escape the sun’s gravity. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that an object near earth’s orbit would only need to be travelling at just over 150,000km/h to break free from the solar system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. On the other hand, some argue that Recent developments indicate that an object near earth’s orbit would only need to be travelling at just over 150,000km/h to break free from the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that second, 3i/atlas has a wildly eccentric orbit around the sun. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show From a different angle, second, 3i/atlas has a wildly eccentric orbit around the sun. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that eccentricity measures how “stretched” an orbit is: 0 eccentricity is a perfect circle, and anything up to 1 is an increasingly strung-out ellipse. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that eccentricity measures how “stretched” an orbit is: 0 eccentricity is a perfect circle, and anything up to 1 is an increasingly strung-out ellipse. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that above 1 is an orbit that is not bound to the sun. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show From a different angle, 3i/atlas has an estimated eccentricity of 6.3, by far the highest ever recorded for any object in the solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that has anything like this happened before? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. On the other hand, some argue that From a different angle, has anything like this happened before? This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. From a different angle, the first interstellar object spotted in our solar system was the cigar-shaped ‘oumuamua , discovered in 2017 by the pan-starrs1 telescope in hawaii. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Moreover, this development highlights Experts have observed that the first interstellar object spotted in our solar system was the cigar-shaped ‘oumuamua , discovered in 2017 by the pan-starrs1 telescope in hawaii. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that scientists tracked it for 80 days before eventually confirming it came from interstellar space. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that the second interstellar visitor, comet 2i/borisov , was discovered two years later by amateur astronomer gennadiy borisov. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, this time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that this time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, this time, the interstellar origin of i3/atlas has been confirmed in a matter of days. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Recent developments indicate that how did it get here? This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that how did it get here? This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Additionally, recent studies show Analysis suggests that we have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including i3/atlas), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that we have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including i3/atlas), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here. This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Recent developments indicate that however, recent research published in the planetary science journal suggests these objects might be more common than we once thought. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, in particular, they may come from relatively nearby star systems such as alpha centauri (our nearest interstellar neighbour, a mere 4.4 light years away). This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Moreover, this development highlights Experts have observed that in particular, they may come from relatively nearby star systems such as alpha centauri (our nearest interstellar neighbour, a mere 4.4 light years away). This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This has significant implications for the broader context. On the other hand, some argue that From a different angle, alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that if it flings out material in the same way our solar system does, scientists estimate around a million objects from alpha centauri larger than 100 metres in diameter could already be in the outer reaches of our solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that that number could increase tenfold as alpha centauri gets closer. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that most of this material would have been ejected at relatively low speeds, less than 2km/s, making it more likely to drift into our cosmic neighbourhood over time and not dramatically zoom in and out of the solar system like i3/atlas appears to be doing. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that most of this material would have been ejected at relatively low speeds, less than 2km/s, making it more likely to drift into our cosmic neighbourhood over time and not dramatically zoom in and out of the solar system like i3/atlas appears to be doing. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that while the chance of one of these objects coming close to the sun is extremely small, the study suggests a few tiny meteors from alpha centauri, likely no bigger than grains of sand, may already hit earth’s atmosphere every year. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Moreover, this development highlights From a different angle, while the chance of one of these objects coming close to the sun is extremely small, the study suggests a few tiny meteors from alpha centauri, likely no bigger than grains of sand, may already hit earth’s atmosphere every year. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that why is this interesting? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Moreover, this development highlights From a different angle, why is this interesting? This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that discovering new interstellar visitors like 3i/atlas is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. This has significant implications for the broader context. On the other hand, some argue that From a different angle, discovering new interstellar visitors like 3i/atlas is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that every confirmed interstellar object expands our catalogue and helps scientists better understand the nature of these visitors, how they travel through space, and where they might have come from. This has significant implications for the broader context. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that every confirmed interstellar object expands our catalogue and helps scientists better understand the nature of these visitors, how they travel through space, and where they might have come from. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that thanks to powerful new observatories such as the nsf–doe vera c. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Experts have observed that rubin observatory , our ability to detect these elusive objects is rapidly improving. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that in fact, during its first 10 hours of test imaging, rubin revealed 2,104 previously unknown asteroids . This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider From a different angle, this is an astonishing preview of what’s to come. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that with its wide field of view and constant sky coverage, rubin is expected to revolutionise our search for interstellar objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. On the other hand, some argue that From a different angle, with its wide field of view and constant sky coverage, rubin is expected to revolutionise our search for interstellar objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. From a different angle, what now? This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that there’s still plenty left to uncover about 3i/atlas. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that there’s still plenty left to uncover about 3i/atlas. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Moreover, this development highlights From a different angle, right now, it’s officially classified as a comet by the iau minor planet center. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that right now, it’s officially classified as a comet by the iau minor planet center. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show Analysis suggests that but some scientists argue it might actually be an asteroid , roughly 20km across, based on the lack of typical comet-like features such as a glowing coma or a tail. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, but some scientists argue it might actually be an asteroid , roughly 20km across, based on the lack of typical comet-like features such as a glowing coma or a tail. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Additionally, recent studies show From a different angle, more observations will be needed to confirm its nature. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that currently, 3i/atlas is inbound, just inside jupiter’s orbit. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Moreover, this development highlights Recent developments indicate that it’s expected to reach its closest point to the sun, slightly closer than the planet mars, on october 29. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that after that, it will swing back out towards deep space, making its closest approach to earth in december. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that (it will pose no threat to our planet.) whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3i/atlas is a messenger from another star system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that (it will pose no threat to our planet.) whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3i/atlas is a messenger from another star system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Analysis suggests that for now, these sightings are rare – though as next-generation observatories such as rubin swing into operation, we may discover interstellar companions all around. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that astronomy asteroids solar system alpha centauri comets interstellar space interstellar object 'oumuamua space rocks kirsten banks , swinburne university of technology author kirsten banks lecturer, school of science, computing and engineering technologies, swinburne university of technology disclosure statement kirsten banks does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Moreover, this development highlights Experts have observed that astronomy asteroids solar system alpha centauri comets interstellar space interstellar object 'oumuamua space rocks kirsten banks , swinburne university of technology author kirsten banks lecturer, school of science, computing and engineering technologies, swinburne university of technology disclosure statement kirsten banks does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that partners swinburne university of technology provides funding as a member of the conversation au. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. On the other hand, some argue that Recent developments indicate that partners swinburne university of technology provides funding as a member of the conversation au. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that the conversation is funded by the national research foundation, eight universities, including the cape peninsula university of technology, rhodes university, stellenbosch university and the universities of cape town, johannesburg, kwa-zulu natal, pretoria, and south africa. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Recent developments indicate that it is hosted by the universities of the witwatersrand and western cape, the african population and health research centre and the nigerian academy of science. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, it is hosted by the universities of the witwatersrand and western cape, the african population and health research centre and the nigerian academy of science. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that the bill & melinda gates foundation is a strategic partner. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that the bill & melinda gates foundation is a strategic partner. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that more author kirsten banks lecturer, school of science, computing and engineering technologies, swinburne university of technology kirsten banks lecturer, school of science, computing and engineering technologies, swinburne university of technology lecturer, school of science, computing and engineering technologies, swinburne university of technology kirsten banks does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that swinburne university of technology provides funding as a member of the conversation au. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. On the other hand, some argue that From a different angle, the conversation is funded by the national research foundation, eight universities, including the cape peninsula university of technology, rhodes university, stellenbosch university and the universities of cape town, johannesburg, kwa-zulu natal, pretoria, and south africa. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that the conversation is funded by the national research foundation, eight universities, including the cape peninsula university of technology, rhodes university, stellenbosch university and the universities of cape town, johannesburg, kwa-zulu natal, pretoria, and south africa. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Moreover, this development highlights Recent developments indicate that it is hosted by the universities of the witwatersrand and western cape, the african population and health research centre and the nigerian academy of science. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that the bill & melinda gates foundation is a strategic partner. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider From a different angle, the bill & melinda gates foundation is a strategic partner. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that more copy link email x (twitter) bluesky facebook linkedin whatsapp messenger https://theconversation.com/astronomers-have-spied-an-interstellar-object-zooming-through-the-solar-system-260422 link copied share article this week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our solar system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Moreover, this development highlights Experts have observed that first detected by the asteroid terrestrial-impact last alert system (atlas) on july 1, the cosmic interloper was given the temporary name a11pl3z. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that experts at nasa’s center for near earth object studies and the international astronomical union (iau) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: i3/atlas. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Recent developments indicate that there are a few strong clues that suggest 3i/atlas came from outside the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that first, it’s moving really fast. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show Analysis suggests that current observations show it speeding through space at around 245,000km per hour. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that that’s more than enough to escape the sun’s gravity. This has significant implications for the broader context. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that an object near earth’s orbit would only need to be travelling at just over 150,000km/h to break free from the solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that second, 3i/atlas has a wildly eccentric orbit around the sun. This has significant implications for the broader context. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider From a different angle, second, 3i/atlas has a wildly eccentric orbit around the sun. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that eccentricity measures how “stretched” an orbit is: 0 eccentricity is a perfect circle, and anything up to 1 is an increasingly strung-out ellipse. This has significant implications for the broader context. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that above 1 is an orbit that is not bound to the sun. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, above 1 is an orbit that is not bound to the sun. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. On the other hand, some argue that Recent developments indicate that 3i/atlas has an estimated eccentricity of 6.3, by far the highest ever recorded for any object in the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that has anything like this happened before? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that the first interstellar object spotted in our solar system was the cigar-shaped ‘oumuamua , discovered in 2017 by the pan-starrs1 telescope in hawaii. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that scientists tracked it for 80 days before eventually confirming it came from interstellar space. This has significant implications for the broader context. Additionally, recent studies show Experts have observed that the second interstellar visitor, comet 2i/borisov , was discovered two years later by amateur astronomer gennadiy borisov. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, the second interstellar visitor, comet 2i/borisov , was discovered two years later by amateur astronomer gennadiy borisov. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Moreover, this development highlights From a different angle, this time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that this time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Recent developments indicate that this time, the interstellar origin of i3/atlas has been confirmed in a matter of days. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, how did it get here? This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. On the other hand, some argue that From a different angle, we have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including i3/atlas), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that we have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including i3/atlas), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Moreover, this development highlights Experts have observed that however, recent research published in the planetary science journal suggests these objects might be more common than we once thought. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that in particular, they may come from relatively nearby star systems such as alpha centauri (our nearest interstellar neighbour, a mere 4.4 light years away). This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Recent developments indicate that in particular, they may come from relatively nearby star systems such as alpha centauri (our nearest interstellar neighbour, a mere 4.4 light years away). This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This has significant implications for the broader context. Moreover, this development highlights Analysis suggests that alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, if it flings out material in the same way our solar system does, scientists estimate around a million objects from alpha centauri larger than 100 metres in diameter could already be in the outer reaches of our solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that if it flings out material in the same way our solar system does, scientists estimate around a million objects from alpha centauri larger than 100 metres in diameter could already be in the outer reaches of our solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that that number could increase tenfold as alpha centauri gets closer. This has significant implications for the broader context. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that most of this material would have been ejected at relatively low speeds, less than 2km/s, making it more likely to drift into our cosmic neighbourhood over time and not dramatically zoom in and out of the solar system like i3/atlas appears to be doing. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, most of this material would have been ejected at relatively low speeds, less than 2km/s, making it more likely to drift into our cosmic neighbourhood over time and not dramatically zoom in and out of the solar system like i3/atlas appears to be doing. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. On the other hand, some argue that Analysis suggests that while the chance of one of these objects coming close to the sun is extremely small, the study suggests a few tiny meteors from alpha centauri, likely no bigger than grains of sand, may already hit earth’s atmosphere every year. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that while the chance of one of these objects coming close to the sun is extremely small, the study suggests a few tiny meteors from alpha centauri, likely no bigger than grains of sand, may already hit earth’s atmosphere every year. This has significant implications for the broader context. Additionally, recent studies show Recent developments indicate that why is this interesting? This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, why is this interesting? This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Moreover, this development highlights From a different angle, discovering new interstellar visitors like 3i/atlas is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that discovering new interstellar visitors like 3i/atlas is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider Recent developments indicate that every confirmed interstellar object expands our catalogue and helps scientists better understand the nature of these visitors, how they travel through space, and where they might have come from. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that thanks to powerful new observatories such as the nsf–doe vera c. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Additionally, recent studies show From a different angle, thanks to powerful new observatories such as the nsf–doe vera c. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. From a different angle, rubin observatory , our ability to detect these elusive objects is rapidly improving. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. On the other hand, some argue that Recent developments indicate that rubin observatory , our ability to detect these elusive objects is rapidly improving. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that in fact, during its first 10 hours of test imaging, rubin revealed 2,104 previously unknown asteroids . This has significant implications for the broader context. Additionally, recent studies show From a different angle, in fact, during its first 10 hours of test imaging, rubin revealed 2,104 previously unknown asteroids . This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. From a different angle, this is an astonishing preview of what’s to come. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Moreover, this development highlights Recent developments indicate that with its wide field of view and constant sky coverage, rubin is expected to revolutionise our search for interstellar objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, with its wide field of view and constant sky coverage, rubin is expected to revolutionise our search for interstellar objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Furthermore, it\\\'s important to consider From a different angle, what now? This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that what now? This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Moreover, this development highlights Recent developments indicate that there’s still plenty left to uncover about 3i/atlas. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that there’s still plenty left to uncover about 3i/atlas. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that right now, it’s officially classified as a comet by the iau minor planet center. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that but some scientists argue it might actually be an asteroid , roughly 20km across, based on the lack of typical comet-like features such as a glowing coma or a tail. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that but some scientists argue it might actually be an asteroid , roughly 20km across, based on the lack of typical comet-like features such as a glowing coma or a tail. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that more observations will be needed to confirm its nature. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that more observations will be needed to confirm its nature. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, currently, 3i/atlas is inbound, just inside jupiter’s orbit. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that it’s expected to reach its closest point to the sun, slightly closer than the planet mars, on october 29. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that it’s expected to reach its closest point to the sun, slightly closer than the planet mars, on october 29. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, after that, it will swing back out towards deep space, making its closest approach to earth in december. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that after that, it will swing back out towards deep space, making its closest approach to earth in december. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that (it will pose no threat to our planet.) whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3i/atlas is a messenger from another star system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that for now, these sightings are rare – though as next-generation observatories such as rubin swing into operation, we may discover interstellar companions all around. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that for now, these sightings are rare – though as next-generation observatories such as rubin swing into operation, we may discover interstellar companions all around. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, astronomy asteroids solar system alpha centauri comets interstellar space interstellar object 'oumuamua space rocks copy link email x (twitter) bluesky facebook linkedin whatsapp messenger https://theconversation.com/astronomers-have-spied-an-interstellar-object-zooming-through-the-solar-system-260422 link copied share article this week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that first detected by the asteroid terrestrial-impact last alert system (atlas) on july 1, the cosmic interloper was given the temporary name a11pl3z. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that first detected by the asteroid terrestrial-impact last alert system (atlas) on july 1, the cosmic interloper was given the temporary name a11pl3z. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, experts at nasa’s center for near earth object studies and the international astronomical union (iau) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: i3/atlas. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that experts at nasa’s center for near earth object studies and the international astronomical union (iau) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: i3/atlas. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, there are a few strong clues that suggest 3i/atlas came from outside the solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that there are a few strong clues that suggest 3i/atlas came from outside the solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that first, it’s moving really fast. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that current observations show it speeding through space at around 245,000km per hour. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that current observations show it speeding through space at around 245,000km per hour. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that that’s more than enough to escape the sun’s gravity. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that an object near earth’s orbit would only need to be travelling at just over 150,000km/h to break free from the solar system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that second, 3i/atlas has a wildly eccentric orbit around the sun. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that eccentricity measures how “stretched” an orbit is: 0 eccentricity is a perfect circle, and anything up to 1 is an increasingly strung-out ellipse. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that above 1 is an orbit that is not bound to the sun. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that above 1 is an orbit that is not bound to the sun. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that 3i/atlas has an estimated eccentricity of 6.3, by far the highest ever recorded for any object in the solar system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that 3i/atlas has an estimated eccentricity of 6.3, by far the highest ever recorded for any object in the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that has anything like this happened before? This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, the first interstellar object spotted in our solar system was the cigar-shaped ‘oumuamua , discovered in 2017 by the pan-starrs1 telescope in hawaii. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that the first interstellar object spotted in our solar system was the cigar-shaped ‘oumuamua , discovered in 2017 by the pan-starrs1 telescope in hawaii. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that scientists tracked it for 80 days before eventually confirming it came from interstellar space. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that the second interstellar visitor, comet 2i/borisov , was discovered two years later by amateur astronomer gennadiy borisov. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, the second interstellar visitor, comet 2i/borisov , was discovered two years later by amateur astronomer gennadiy borisov. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that this time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that this time, the interstellar origin of i3/atlas has been confirmed in a matter of days. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that this time, the interstellar origin of i3/atlas has been confirmed in a matter of days. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that how did it get here? This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, we have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including i3/atlas), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that we have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including i3/atlas), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, however, recent research published in the planetary science journal suggests these objects might be more common than we once thought. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that however, recent research published in the planetary science journal suggests these objects might be more common than we once thought. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that in particular, they may come from relatively nearby star systems such as alpha centauri (our nearest interstellar neighbour, a mere 4.4 light years away). This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, in particular, they may come from relatively nearby star systems such as alpha centauri (our nearest interstellar neighbour, a mere 4.4 light years away). This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, if it flings out material in the same way our solar system does, scientists estimate around a million objects from alpha centauri larger than 100 metres in diameter could already be in the outer reaches of our solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. From a different angle, that number could increase tenfold as alpha centauri gets closer. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that that number could increase tenfold as alpha centauri gets closer. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, most of this material would have been ejected at relatively low speeds, less than 2km/s, making it more likely to drift into our cosmic neighbourhood over time and not dramatically zoom in and out of the solar system like i3/atlas appears to be doing. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that while the chance of one of these objects coming close to the sun is extremely small, the study suggests a few tiny meteors from alpha centauri, likely no bigger than grains of sand, may already hit earth’s atmosphere every year. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that why is this interesting? This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, discovering new interstellar visitors like 3i/atlas is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that every confirmed interstellar object expands our catalogue and helps scientists better understand the nature of these visitors, how they travel through space, and where they might have come from. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that thanks to powerful new observatories such as the nsf–doe vera c. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that thanks to powerful new observatories such as the nsf–doe vera c. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that rubin observatory , our ability to detect these elusive objects is rapidly improving. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that rubin observatory , our ability to detect these elusive objects is rapidly improving. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that in fact, during its first 10 hours of test imaging, rubin revealed 2,104 previously unknown asteroids . This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that in fact, during its first 10 hours of test imaging, rubin revealed 2,104 previously unknown asteroids . This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that this is an astonishing preview of what’s to come. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that this is an astonishing preview of what’s to come. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that with its wide field of view and constant sky coverage, rubin is expected to revolutionise our search for interstellar objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, what now? This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that there’s still plenty left to uncover about 3i/atlas. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, right now, it’s officially classified as a comet by the iau minor planet center. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that but some scientists argue it might actually be an asteroid , roughly 20km across, based on the lack of typical comet-like features such as a glowing coma or a tail. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that more observations will be needed to confirm its nature. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that currently, 3i/atlas is inbound, just inside jupiter’s orbit. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, currently, 3i/atlas is inbound, just inside jupiter’s orbit. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. From a different angle, it’s expected to reach its closest point to the sun, slightly closer than the planet mars, on october 29. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that after that, it will swing back out towards deep space, making its closest approach to earth in december. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, after that, it will swing back out towards deep space, making its closest approach to earth in december. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that (it will pose no threat to our planet.) whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3i/atlas is a messenger from another star system. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, for now, these sightings are rare – though as next-generation observatories such as rubin swing into operation, we may discover interstellar companions all around. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that for now, these sightings are rare – though as next-generation observatories such as rubin swing into operation, we may discover interstellar companions all around. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that this week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our solar system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that this week, astronomers spotted the third known interstellar visitor to our solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that first detected by the asteroid terrestrial-impact last alert system (atlas) on july 1, the cosmic interloper was given the temporary name a11pl3z. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, first detected by the asteroid terrestrial-impact last alert system (atlas) on july 1, the cosmic interloper was given the temporary name a11pl3z. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that experts at nasa’s center for near earth object studies and the international astronomical union (iau) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: i3/atlas. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, experts at nasa’s center for near earth object studies and the international astronomical union (iau) have confirmed the find, and the object now has an official designation: i3/atlas. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. From a different angle, there are a few strong clues that suggest 3i/atlas came from outside the solar system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that first, it’s moving really fast. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that current observations show it speeding through space at around 245,000km per hour. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, current observations show it speeding through space at around 245,000km per hour. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. From a different angle, that’s more than enough to escape the sun’s gravity. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that that’s more than enough to escape the sun’s gravity. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that an object near earth’s orbit would only need to be travelling at just over 150,000km/h to break free from the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that second, 3i/atlas has a wildly eccentric orbit around the sun. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that eccentricity measures how “stretched” an orbit is: 0 eccentricity is a perfect circle, and anything up to 1 is an increasingly strung-out ellipse. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, above 1 is an orbit that is not bound to the sun. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that 3i/atlas has an estimated eccentricity of 6.3, by far the highest ever recorded for any object in the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that the first interstellar object spotted in our solar system was the cigar-shaped ‘oumuamua , discovered in 2017 by the pan-starrs1 telescope in hawaii. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, scientists tracked it for 80 days before eventually confirming it came from interstellar space. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that the second interstellar visitor, comet 2i/borisov , was discovered two years later by amateur astronomer gennadiy borisov. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that this time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the solar system. This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that this time it only took astronomers a few weeks to confirm it came from outside the solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that this time, the interstellar origin of i3/atlas has been confirmed in a matter of days. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that we have only ever seen three interstellar visitors (including i3/atlas), so it’s hard to know exactly how they made their way here. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that however, recent research published in the planetary science journal suggests these objects might be more common than we once thought. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, however, recent research published in the planetary science journal suggests these objects might be more common than we once thought. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that in particular, they may come from relatively nearby star systems such as alpha centauri (our nearest interstellar neighbour, a mere 4.4 light years away). This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that alpha centauri is slowly moving closer to us, with its closest approach expected in about 28,000 years. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that if it flings out material in the same way our solar system does, scientists estimate around a million objects from alpha centauri larger than 100 metres in diameter could already be in the outer reaches of our solar system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that if it flings out material in the same way our solar system does, scientists estimate around a million objects from alpha centauri larger than 100 metres in diameter could already be in the outer reaches of our solar system. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that that number could increase tenfold as alpha centauri gets closer. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. From a different angle, that number could increase tenfold as alpha centauri gets closer. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that most of this material would have been ejected at relatively low speeds, less than 2km/s, making it more likely to drift into our cosmic neighbourhood over time and not dramatically zoom in and out of the solar system like i3/atlas appears to be doing. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that most of this material would have been ejected at relatively low speeds, less than 2km/s, making it more likely to drift into our cosmic neighbourhood over time and not dramatically zoom in and out of the solar system like i3/atlas appears to be doing. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Analysis suggests that while the chance of one of these objects coming close to the sun is extremely small, the study suggests a few tiny meteors from alpha centauri, likely no bigger than grains of sand, may already hit earth’s atmosphere every year. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that discovering new interstellar visitors like 3i/atlas is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that discovering new interstellar visitors like 3i/atlas is thrilling, not just because they’re rare, but because each one offers a unique glimpse into the wider galaxy. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that every confirmed interstellar object expands our catalogue and helps scientists better understand the nature of these visitors, how they travel through space, and where they might have come from. This has significant implications for the broader context. Recent developments indicate that thanks to powerful new observatories such as the nsf–doe vera c. This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, thanks to powerful new observatories such as the nsf–doe vera c. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that rubin observatory , our ability to detect these elusive objects is rapidly improving. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Recent developments indicate that in fact, during its first 10 hours of test imaging, rubin revealed 2,104 previously unknown asteroids . This has significant implications for the broader context. Experts have observed that this is an astonishing preview of what’s to come. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that this is an astonishing preview of what’s to come. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that with its wide field of view and constant sky coverage, rubin is expected to revolutionise our search for interstellar objects, potentially turning rare discoveries into routine ones. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that there’s still plenty left to uncover about 3i/atlas. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, right now, it’s officially classified as a comet by the iau minor planet center. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that but some scientists argue it might actually be an asteroid , roughly 20km across, based on the lack of typical comet-like features such as a glowing coma or a tail. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that more observations will be needed to confirm its nature. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Recent developments indicate that more observations will be needed to confirm its nature. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that currently, 3i/atlas is inbound, just inside jupiter’s orbit. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, currently, 3i/atlas is inbound, just inside jupiter’s orbit. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Experts have observed that it’s expected to reach its closest point to the sun, slightly closer than the planet mars, on october 29. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that it’s expected to reach its closest point to the sun, slightly closer than the planet mars, on october 29. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that after that, it will swing back out towards deep space, making its closest approach to earth in december. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that (it will pose no threat to our planet.) whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3i/atlas is a messenger from another star system. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, (it will pose no threat to our planet.) whether it’s a comet or an asteroid, 3i/atlas is a messenger from another star system. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Analysis suggests that for now, these sightings are rare – though as next-generation observatories such as rubin swing into operation, we may discover interstellar companions all around. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. From a different angle, for now, these sightings are rare – though as next-generation observatories such as rubin swing into operation, we may discover interstellar companions all around. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that astronomy asteroids solar system alpha centauri comets interstellar space interstellar object 'oumuamua space rocks events rethinking vulnerability in bioethics — cape town, western cape call for nominations: 2025 nas gold medal — lagos, lagos african clinvar submission drive — postgraduate diploma in public law focusing on local government — cape town, western cape southern african law teachers conference — pretoria, gauteng more events want to write? This has significant implications for the broader context. From a different angle, write an article and join a growing community of more than 206,700 academics and researchers from 5,244 institutions. This viewpoint challenges conventional understanding. Recent developments indicate that write an article and join a growing community of more than 206,700 academics and researchers from 5,244 institutions. This has significant implications for the broader context. Analysis suggests that register now events rethinking vulnerability in bioethics — cape town, western cape call for nominations: 2025 nas gold medal — lagos, lagos african clinvar submission drive — postgraduate diploma in public law focusing on local government — cape town, western cape southern african law teachers conference — pretoria, gauteng more events postgraduate diploma in public law focusing on local government — cape town, western cape want to write? This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that register now events rethinking vulnerability in bioethics — cape town, western cape call for nominations: 2025 nas gold medal — lagos, lagos african clinvar submission drive — postgraduate diploma in public law focusing on local government — cape town, western cape southern african law teachers conference — pretoria, gauteng more events postgraduate diploma in public law focusing on local government — cape town, western cape want to write? This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Experts have observed that write an article and join a growing community of more than 206,700 academics and researchers from 5,244 institutions. This perspective offers new insights into the matter. Analysis suggests that write an article and join a growing community of more than 206,700 academics and researchers from 5,244 institutions. This conclusion is supported by emerging evidence. Experts have observed that register now write an article and join a growing community of more than 206,700 academics and researchers from 5,244 institutions. This perspective offers new insights into the matter.