NASA Spots Third Interstellar Object, 3I/Atlas, Speeding Through Solar System

An enigmatic object believed to have originated from beyond our solar system has been spotted traversing our cosmic neighborhood. The object, officially designated 3I/Atlas (C/2025 N1), was first observed on July 2, 2025, by the ATLAS survey telescope in Chile. This marks only the third confirmed interstellar visitor, following ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and comet 2I/Borisov in 2019.

Traveling at an astonishing speed of 60 km/s and currently situated approximately 416 million miles from the Sun, the object follows a hyperbolic trajectory, indicating its likely origin outside our solar system. NASA has confirmed that 3I/Atlas poses no threat to Earth.

NASA Announces Third Known Interstellar Object

Initially cataloged as A11pl3Z, the object was discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Chile. Subsequent observations by NASA and other observatories traced its path back to June 14, confirming a hyperbolic orbit indicative of interstellar origins. Now officially named 3I/Atlas, it joins the exclusive club of confirmed cosmic wanderers, reinforcing the idea that such objects may be more prevalent in the galaxy than previously thought. The object is currently approaching the inner solar system from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius.

Comet or Asteroid? Further Research is Underway

While initially classified as an asteroid, recent observations have revealed subtle signs of cometary activity. The Minor Planet Center detected a faint coma and a short tail, leading to its dual classification as C/2025 N1. Initial brightness estimates suggested a size of approximately 20 kilometers in diameter; however, experts now believe that the surrounding dust cloud may be exaggerating its apparent size, and that its solid core is likely smaller. It is projected to reach its closest proximity to the Sun around October 30, venturing just within the orbit of Mars.

No Threat to Earth, Just a Unique Celestial Event

Although its origins are extraordinary, NASA assures that 3I/Atlas will maintain a safe distance from Earth, never approaching closer than about 150 million miles. As it approaches the Sun, the object is expected to brighten, potentially becoming visible through amateur telescopes in late 2025 and early 2026. The Virtual Telescope Project plans a live broadcast for enthusiasts eager to witness this rare phenomenon. Scientists hope that studying this object will provide valuable insights into the composition and behavior of interstellar bodies.