Astronomers have recently found a new object from beyond our solar system, temporarily named A11pl3Z. This discovery marks it as potentially only the third confirmed visitor from interstellar space. The other two were ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and Comet 2I/Borisov in 2019.
A student astrophysicist in California and amateur astronomers first spotted A11pl3Z. Telescopes like the Deep Random Survey in Chile and the ATLAS system captured early images. The object’s path, or trajectory, is highly unusual, showing it clearly comes from outside our solar system.
Object Details and Trajectory
Experts estimate A11pl3Z is about 20 kilometers wide. It currently moves at around 66 kilometers per second. This speed will increase as the Sun’s gravity pulls it closer.
The object appears dim now but will become easier to see as it nears its closest point to the Sun in October 2025. At that time, it will be about 200 million kilometers from the Sun, which is twice the Earth-Sun distance.
Importantly, A11pl3Z poses no danger to Earth. It will not come close to our planet. However, it will pass relatively near Mars, about 28 million kilometers away.
This offers a great chance for telescopes on Earth to observe it. Unlike previous interstellar visitors, A11pl3Z shows no signs of a cometary tail or gas escaping, suggesting it is more like an asteroid.
Ongoing Study and Future Missions
Astronomers worldwide are actively tracking A11pl3Z. Over 100 observations have been recorded. Scientists hope to better understand its path and what it is made of using special instruments.
Current technology does not allow a spacecraft to catch up to this object, as it is already too fast and too far into our solar system. Future missions, like ESA’s Comet Interceptor planned for 2029, aim to be ready to study such interstellar visitors if they are found earlier.
This discovery provides a rare and valuable chance to study material from another star system. It helps scientists learn more about our galaxy and objects that travel between stars. The Minor Planet Center is expected to officially confirm A11pl3Z’s interstellar status very soon.
