Astronomers have recently identified what they believe to be an interstellar object racing through our solar system, and it’s on a collision course with our cosmic neighborhood. This newly discovered space visitor, provisionally named A11pl3Z, is thought to be the third of its kind ever observed. It is expected to make its closest approach to the sun in approximately four months, after which it will depart from our solar system forever.
The intriguing object, A11pl3Z, was first detected in data gathered between June 25 and June 29 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). This system utilizes telescopes stationed in Hawaii and South Africa to automatically scan the night sky for potential threats. The existence of A11pl3Z was subsequently confirmed by NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies and the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center on July 1, as reported by EarthSky.org.
A11pl3Z is most likely a large asteroid or possibly a comet, with estimates suggesting it could be up to 12 miles (20 kilometers) in diameter. This celestial body is traveling toward the inner solar system at an astonishing speed of approximately 152,000 mph (245,000 km/h) and is approaching us from the direction of the Milky Way's bar. Experts believe that A11pl3Z originated from outside the sun's gravitational influence, possessing enough momentum to traverse our solar system without decelerating.
To date, only two confirmed interstellar visitors have been recorded: Comet 2I/Borisov, which passed through our solar system in 2019, and 'Oumuamua, a cigar-shaped object that stirred significant debate in 2017. While some astronomers speculated that 'Oumuamua might be an alien probe, further investigation revealed it was likely a hydrogen-emitting space rock. Researchers suspect that numerous other interstellar objects traverse our solar system undetected, potentially numbering in the millions.
Currently, A11pl3Z is about 3.8 times farther from the sun than Earth. Its first close encounter with a planet will occur on October 3, when it will pass relatively close to Mars. Shortly thereafter, it will reach its closest point to the sun, or perihelion, on October 23, coming within two Earth-sun distances of our star. Fortunately, Earth will be positioned on the opposite side of the sun during A11pl3Z's solar flyby, ensuring no risk to our planet. The object is anticipated to make its closest approach to Earth in December as it exits the solar system.
Researchers are committed to studying A11pl3Z in the coming weeks and months to gather more information about its size, shape, and origins. Compared to earlier interstellar objects, we now possess enhanced methods for tracking and imaging these mysterious celestial bodies. The upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory, the world’s most advanced optical telescope, is expected to be fully operational by the time A11pl3Z approaches us. This telescope excels in detecting moving objects, such as asteroids, making it an invaluable tool for astronomers.
The discovery of A11pl3Z not only adds to our understanding of interstellar objects but also highlights the advancements in astronomical technology that allow us to track these enigmatic visitors more effectively. As we await further observations, the astronomical community remains eager to learn more about this intriguing space object and its journey through our solar system.
