Astronomers discovered 3i/Atlas, the largest intersteller comet has been revealed so far

Astronomers have discovered the third intersteller comet to pass through our solar system. Name 3i/Atlas (initially A11Pl3z), it was first seen by the Atlas Telescope in Chile on 1 July and confirmed on the same day. East-poz images show it in the sky in mid-June. The object is running towards the interior system at a close projection at a distance of about 150,000 mph, very fast to catch the sun. Estimates suggest that its nucleus may cross 10–20 km. Now inside the orbit of Jupiter, 3i/Atlas will swing closest to the Sun in October and should be observable in late 2025.

Search and classification

As NASAIn early July, the Atlas Survey Telescope in Chile first witnessed an unconscious moving object called A11Pl3z, and the Minor Planet Center of IAU confirmed the next day that it was an interesive visitors. The object was officially named 3i/Atlas and was noted as the largest intersteller body ever. It first appeared as a simple earth asteroid, but the precise class measure showed it at a speed of ~ 150,000 mph-very fast to catch the Suraj. Astronomers estimate that 3i/atlas extends about 10–20 km. Signs of commentary activity – an unconscious coma and small tail – have emerged, earn additional comets designation C/2025 N1 (ATLAS).

Ancient comet study

3i/Atlas was well seen before its nearest approach, giving astronomers time to prepare a detailed observation. It will pass through about 1.4 AUs of the Sun in late October. Importantly, researchers can study it, while it is still an ancient frozen remains, before the solar heat is replaced. As Pamela Gay notes, it leaves “enough time” to analyze its trajectory to search for the object on its inbound leg. Astronomers are now running to achieve spectra and images – as Chris Lintot warns, comet will “baked” by sunlight because it is with Perihales.

Its composition and activity determined “a rare opportunity” to know how planets are formed in other star systems. Vera c. With new features such as Rubin Observatory, researchers hope that such visitors expect more visitors in the coming years. 3i/Atlas offers a rare opportunity to study material from another star system.