Unidentified interstellar object flying from outside Solar System discovered
ESA's "Planetary Defenders" are now closely monitoring A11pl3Z using a global network of telescopes.A11pl3Z's orbit is distinctly hyperbolic, with an eccentricity estimated between 6 and 11.6, far above the threshold that separates bound Solar System objects from those originating elsewhere. This extreme path indicates that A11pl3Z is not gravitationally bound to the Sun and is merely passing through before returning to interstellar space.Currently, A11pl3Z is just inside Jupiter's orbit and is expected to make its closest approach to the Sun in October, coming within about 1.35 astronomical units (roughly 200 million kilometres) of our star. It will not pose any threat to Earth, but will pass relatively close to Mars, offering a unique opportunity for ground-based observations.advertisementInitial assessment showed that A11pl3Z is about 20 kilometres in diameter and does not display cometary activity or a tail, distinguishing it from the previous interstellar visitor, Comet Borisov. Its current brightness is measured at magnitude 18.8, making it a challenging but viable target for large telescopes.If confirmed, A11pl3Z will join the ranks of 'Oumuamua (2017) and Comet Borisov (2019) as the only known interstellar objects to traverse our Solar System. Astronomers are racing to gather as much data as possible during its brief visit, hoping to unlock new insights into the composition and origins of material from other star systems. The Minor Planet Centre is expected to officially confirm its interstellar status in the coming days.- EndsMust Watch
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