Hey space fans! In an epic cosmic twist, astronomers have spotted 3I/ATLAS – the third interstellar object to grace our solar system. 🚀 This icy comet, which could stretch up to 10 km in diameter, is cruising through space at a jaw-dropping 60 km/s from the heart of the Milky Way.
Discovered by the ATLAS telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, and confirmed by U.S. space agency NASA, 3I/ATLAS is already causing a buzz in the scientific community. University of Hawaii astronomer Larry Denneau explained that the comet’s faint coma might brighten as it nears the sun, with its closest approach bringing it inside Mars’s orbit later this year. But no worries – it’ll stay safely at least 240 million km away from Earth! 🌌
This interstellar visitor joins the ranks of 1I/'Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019), offering fresh insights into the mysteries of the universe. Whether you're into tech, science, or just love a good space adventure, 3I/ATLAS is a stellar reminder that the cosmos still holds endless surprises!
Reference(s):
Newly found comet is 3rd interstellar object seen in our solar system
cgtn.com
