After ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov a new interstellar object 3I/Atlas races through solar system at 60 km/s
Initially spotted by Chile's ATLAS survey on July 2, 2025, the object was traced back in archived telescope data to June 14. Measuring an estimated 10 to 20 kilometers wide, it appears to be the largest interstellar object ever discovered, though that could vary depending on its icy composition, which reflects more sunlight.
Peter Veres of the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center described the object as 'fuzzy,' indicating comet-like activity. It likely has a short tail and emits gas, confirming its classification as a cosmic snowball, or comet.
3I/Atlas poses no danger to Earth. It will pass safely inside the orbit of Mars before swinging around the Sun on October 29, 2025, at its closest point (perihelion), and then exit the Solar System in the years to come.
Unlike asteroids and comets that orbit the Sun, its hyperbolic trajectory confirms it's not bound to our star — a true interstellar interloper. Astronomers say it's likely been wandering the galaxy since being ejected from its home system.
This is only the third confirmed interstellar object after ʻOumuamua in 2017 — which sparked speculation of alien origin — and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Scientists are now working urgently to learn more about 3I/Atlas, including its shape, rotation, and composition.
The object is currently near the distance of Jupiter from Earth, and its speed is significantly higher than that of previous interstellar visitors. Though it's too fast and distant to intercept with a spacecraft, researchers see it as a unique opportunity.
'If we detect amino acids or organic compounds on such objects,' said astronomer Mark Norris, 'it could strengthen the case for life-friendly conditions elsewhere in the universe.'
With new telescopes like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory coming online, astronomers hope that similar discoveries will become more common — possibly monthly sightings of interstellar guests just like 3I/Atlas.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Is 3I/ATLAS an alien probe? Harvard scientists spark debate on extraterrestrial life
Scientists all over the world are interested in a strange object that is moving quickly through space. The thing, called 3I/ATLAS , is huge, about the size of Manhattan, and is moving toward Earth at an incredible speed. Some Harvard researchers think it might even be technology from another planet. This has led to discussions about the possibility of an alien encounter this November. Researchers say that even though the study is just a thought experiment, the possible effects of such an encounter could be terrible for people. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo ALSO READ: Orca attack mystery: What really happened to marine trainer Jessica Radcliffe This interstellar traveler is moving faster than 60 kilometers per second and is between 10 and 20 kilometers wide. This makes people wonder if it could be more than just a rock in space. Live Events Could this thing really be technology from space? The fact that Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb is involved with 3I/ATLAS is a big part of what makes it so interesting. Loeb has long said that we shouldn't rule out the possibility of alien technology . Loeb, Adam Hibberd, and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London wrote a paper together that said the object might not be natural, as per a report by WION News. The scientists think that if 3I/ATLAS is a smart ship, its strange orbit might let it get close to Earth without being seen. The study also shows that the object's location near the Sun later this year could give it the chance to move quickly without being seen. What makes November 2025 so important? Scientists think that 3I/ATLAS will be closest to the Sun in late November 2025. It might be hard to find at that time because it could be out of sight of telescopes on Earth. This window has led to speculation that the object could try to sneak up on Earth if it is being controlled by intelligent beings The Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Chile was the first to see the object, which added to the suspense, as per a report by WION News. ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 17 Air and Pro get surprise release date change — here's the new timeline What are scientists saying about the risks? Even though the headlines are scary, the study's authors stress that their work is only a theory. They make it clear that they are not claiming that aliens are a direct threat, but that they are testing a theory. The study says that even though the idea may sound strange, it is worth looking into scientifically. The team also says, though, that if the hypothesis were ever proven true, things could get very bad. People may have to think about ways to protect themselves, even though the researchers say that these efforts may not work against advanced technology in the end. A scary but possible idea Avi Loeb has caused a lot of talk about possible alien probes before. He famously said in 2017 that the interstellar object ʻOumuamua might have been an artificial spacecraft. Many astronomers disagreed with him, but his arguments got people talking about how people understand strange cosmic events. The nature of 3I/ATLAS remains a mystery at this time. Scientists will keep a close eye on it as it speeds toward the inner solar system, whether it's just another cosmic rock or something much more advanced, as per a report by WION News. FAQs What is 3I/ATLAS? ATLAS telescopes found it, and it could be alien technology. It's a huge object in space. When might it be dangerous to Earth? The object will come closest to Earth in late November 2025, according to scientists.
Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
Alien Attack in November? Harvard scientists warn mysterious space object could be advanced technology
A mysterious object, 3I/ATLAS, is rapidly approaching Earth. Its size and speed have intrigued scientists globally. Some researchers speculate it could be alien technology. This raises the possibility of a potential encounter in November 2025. The object's trajectory allows it to approach Earth undetected. Scientists are closely monitoring 3I/ATLAS as it enters the inner solar system. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Could this thing really be technology from space? What makes November 2025 so important? What are scientists saying about the risks? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A scary but possible idea FAQs Scientists all over the world are interested in a strange object that is moving quickly through space. The thing, called 3I/ATLAS , is huge, about the size of Manhattan, and is moving toward Earth at an incredible speed. Some Harvard researchers think it might even be technology from another planet. This has led to discussions about the possibility of an alien encounter this say that even though the study is just a thought experiment, the possible effects of such an encounter could be terrible for interstellar traveler is moving faster than 60 kilometers per second and is between 10 and 20 kilometers wide. This makes people wonder if it could be more than just a rock in fact that Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb is involved with 3I/ATLAS is a big part of what makes it so interesting. Loeb has long said that we shouldn't rule out the possibility of alien technology . Loeb, Adam Hibberd, and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London wrote a paper together that said the object might not be natural, as per a report by WION scientists think that if 3I/ATLAS is a smart ship, its strange orbit might let it get close to Earth without being seen. The study also shows that the object's location near the Sun later this year could give it the chance to move quickly without being think that 3I/ATLAS will be closest to the Sun in late November 2025. It might be hard to find at that time because it could be out of sight of telescopes on Earth. This window has led to speculation that the object could try to sneak up on Earth if it is being controlled by intelligent beingsThe Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Chile was the first to see the object, which added to the suspense, as per a report by WION though the headlines are scary, the study's authors stress that their work is only a theory. They make it clear that they are not claiming that aliens are a direct threat, but that they are testing a theory. The study says that even though the idea may sound strange, it is worth looking into team also says, though, that if the hypothesis were ever proven true, things could get very bad. People may have to think about ways to protect themselves, even though the researchers say that these efforts may not work against advanced technology in the Loeb has caused a lot of talk about possible alien probes before. He famously said in 2017 that the interstellar object ʻOumuamua might have been an artificial spacecraft. Many astronomers disagreed with him, but his arguments got people talking about how people understand strange cosmic nature of 3I/ATLAS remains a mystery at this time. Scientists will keep a close eye on it as it speeds toward the inner solar system, whether it's just another cosmic rock or something much more advanced, as per a report by WION telescopes found it, and it could be alien technology. It's a huge object in object will come closest to Earth in late November 2025, according to scientists.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Alien Attack in November? Harvard scientists warn mysterious space object could be advanced technology
Scientists all over the world are interested in a strange object that is moving quickly through space. The thing, called 3I/ATLAS , is huge, about the size of Manhattan, and is moving toward Earth at an incredible speed. Some Harvard researchers think it might even be technology from another planet. This has led to discussions about the possibility of an alien encounter this November. Researchers say that even though the study is just a thought experiment, the possible effects of such an encounter could be terrible for people. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo ALSO READ: Orca attack mystery: What really happened to marine trainer Jessica Radcliffe This interstellar traveler is moving faster than 60 kilometers per second and is between 10 and 20 kilometers wide. This makes people wonder if it could be more than just a rock in space. Live Events Could this thing really be technology from space? The fact that Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb is involved with 3I/ATLAS is a big part of what makes it so interesting. Loeb has long said that we shouldn't rule out the possibility of alien technology . Loeb, Adam Hibberd, and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London wrote a paper together that said the object might not be natural, as per a report by WION News. The scientists think that if 3I/ATLAS is a smart ship, its strange orbit might let it get close to Earth without being seen. The study also shows that the object's location near the Sun later this year could give it the chance to move quickly without being seen. What makes November 2025 so important? Scientists think that 3I/ATLAS will be closest to the Sun in late November 2025. It might be hard to find at that time because it could be out of sight of telescopes on Earth. This window has led to speculation that the object could try to sneak up on Earth if it is being controlled by intelligent beings The Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Chile was the first to see the object, which added to the suspense, as per a report by WION News. ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 17 Air and Pro get surprise release date change — here's the new timeline What are scientists saying about the risks? Even though the headlines are scary, the study's authors stress that their work is only a theory. They make it clear that they are not claiming that aliens are a direct threat, but that they are testing a theory. The study says that even though the idea may sound strange, it is worth looking into scientifically. The team also says, though, that if the hypothesis were ever proven true, things could get very bad. People may have to think about ways to protect themselves, even though the researchers say that these efforts may not work against advanced technology in the end. A scary but possible idea Avi Loeb has caused a lot of talk about possible alien probes before. He famously said in 2017 that the interstellar object ʻOumuamua might have been an artificial spacecraft. Many astronomers disagreed with him, but his arguments got people talking about how people understand strange cosmic events. The nature of 3I/ATLAS remains a mystery at this time. Scientists will keep a close eye on it as it speeds toward the inner solar system, whether it's just another cosmic rock or something much more advanced, as per a report by WION News. FAQs What is 3I/ATLAS? ATLAS telescopes found it, and it could be alien technology. It's a huge object in space. When might it be dangerous to Earth? The object will come closest to Earth in late November 2025, according to scientists.
