The Deep Random Survey telescope in Chile also observed 3I/Atlas - Photo: DEEP RANDOM SURVEY
On July 2nd, astronomers confirmed the discovery of an interstellar object – originating from stars outside our Solar System – hurtling through the Solar System and classified it as a comet, according to AFP. This is likely the largest interstellar object ever discovered by humans.
The object had been discovered the day before by the ATLAS survey, funded by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Astronomers then reviewed observation records from June to trace the object's orbit back to at least June 14th.
The International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center has named this interstellar comet 3I/Atlas.
"The fact that we're observing some blurry spots suggests it's mostly ice rather than rock," said Jonathan McDowell, who works at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Initially, before being identified as having interstellar origin, the European Space Agency (ESA) named this object A11pl3Z and determined that it posed no threat to Earth.
Richard Moissl, who works at ESA, said the comet will "fly deep through the Solar System and cross Mars' orbit" but will not collide with our neighboring planet.
Astronomers are still finalizing their calculations, but 3I/Atlas appears to be moving at speeds exceeding 60 km/s. This means that 3I/Atlas is not bound by the Sun's orbit like comets and asteroids originating from within the Solar System.
The orbit of 3I/Atlas as it flies through our Solar System - Photo: NASA
The orbit of 3I/Atlas suggests that it doesn't orbit our star but rather originated from interstellar space and will fly back there again. According to Moissl, this interstellar comet is estimated to be about 10-20 km wide, but its true size could be smaller if it's made of ice, which would reflect more light when observed.
"It will be brighter and closer to the sun until the end of October and will still be observable (with telescopes) until next year," Moissl said.
This is the third time humanity has discovered an object from outer space that has entered the Solar System. The first interstellar object was discovered in 2017 and named Oumuamua. The second interstellar "visitor" is 2I/Borisov, discovered in 2019.
Mark Norris, an astronomer at the University of Central Lancashire (UK), said the latest interstellar object appears to be "moving faster than the two previous objects we've detected." Currently, 3I/Atlas is at a distance comparable to Jupiter from Earth.
Visitors like 3I/Atlas offer scientists a rare opportunity to study something outside our solar system.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nasa-phat-hien-vi-khach-la-lao-nhanh-qua-he-mat-troi-20250703113651821.htm
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