Third Interstellar Object, Comet 3I/ATLAS, Is Traveling Through Solar System
The New York TimesThursday, July 3, 2025 at 1:17:39 AM
Astronomers have spotted a rare interstellar traveler—Comet 3I/ATLAS—zipping through our solar system. It’s only the third confirmed visitor from another star system, following 'Oumuamua in 2017 and Comet Borisov in 2019. Originally cataloged under the clunky name A11pI3Z, this cosmic snowball is giving scientists another chance to study material from beyond our solar neighborhood.
Editor’s Note: Interstellar objects like this are cosmic postcards—they carry clues about how other star systems form and evolve. Each one we find helps piece together the bigger picture of our galaxy, and 3I/ATLAS is no exception. Plus, it’s just cool to think something from another star is passing through our backyard.
— Curated via WP Now’s
