The new intersteller object 3I/atlas can reveal the mysteries of the distant world

The entry of a third known object in our solar system has been confirmed by astronomers on 1 July 2025. The name of this object is 3i/atlas, where the 3i stands for the “third intersteller”, which has a highly hyperbolic (eccentric (eccentric and 6.2) orbit, confirming that it is not bound to the Sun, but a true interester is a visitor. Only two such visitors, 1i/oumumuamua (2017) and 2i/Borisov (2019), were seen earlier. In particular, 3i/atlas appears to be the largest and brightest intersteller wander discovered yet.

Comparison with previous interstellers

According For NASA, astronomers of the Atlas survey first watched the object using a telescope in Chile on July 1, 2025. This immediately attracted attention to its unusual speed. Shortly after Discovery, observers saw an unconscious coma and tail, which classified it as comets C/2025 N1 (ATLAS).

This comet -like appearance is shared with 2i/Borisov, the second intersteller visitors. Global observatory now tracks 3i/atlas. This is no danger, but provides a rare opportunity to study foreign materials. Since 1i/oumumuamua was leaving only the solar system, it was difficult for astronomers to get enough data to confirm their accurate nature – so the crazy principles about it being a foreign spacecraft – although it is almost certainly an asteroid or a comment.

Size and importance

3i/Atlas is much larger and bright than the first intersteller visitors. It is in about 15 kilometers (km) (9 mi) diameter, which has heavy uncertainty, while 1i/’for oumuamua is 100 meters and 2i for 2i/borisov. This brightness and shape makes it a better goal for study. Astronomers are planning to analyze their light for chemical signature from their home system to get clues about the formation of distant planetary systems.