An object named 3I/Atlas, initially called A11pl3Z, has been discovered by the Atlas survey telescope in Chile and is believed to be an interstellar visitor. Currently about 416 million miles from the Sun, it travels at 60 km/s and follows a hyperbolic orbit. The object shows signs of cometary activity, including a marginal coma and tail, and has been given the name C/2025 N1. While it may be as large as 20 km in diameter, Nasa confirms that there is no threat to Earth as it remains at a safe distance.
The object, originally called A11pl3Z and now known as 3I/Atlas, was first reported by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (Atlas) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile.
Experts have been plotting the path of the visitor, which is believed to be traveling at about 60km/s relative to the sun on a highly eccentric, hyperbolic orbit.
Tentative signs of cometary activity have been spotted, noting the object has a marginal coma and short tail, leading to the additional name of C/2025 N1.
While some experts have suggested the object could be as large as 20km in diameter, Nasa said the comet poses no threat to Earth.
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