3I/ATLAS, traveling at approximately 134,000 mph, is the third interstellar object confirmed to have reached the solar system, following 'Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov. Researchers suggest it is a comet, possibly indicating that such objects are more common than previously thought. At 3-11 billion years old, 3I/ATLAS may reveal that interstellar objects have existed since nearly the Milky Way's formation. Its trajectory traced to the Milky Way's center leaves its formation ambiguous, with theories suggesting it was formed or ejected by a stellar body. Understanding 3I/ATLAS may inform on unseen planetary populations.
3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar object, is traveling through the solar system at high speeds, suggesting a commonality of comet-like interstellar objects.
3I/ATLAS may be between 3-11 billion years old, indicating the Milky Way has produced interstellar objects since close to its creation over 13 billion years ago.
Scientists trace the trajectory of 3I/ATLAS back to the center of the Milky Way, but its origins remain uncertain, with hints it may be a comet.
Understanding the distribution of interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS could provide insights into the population of planets that ejected them into interstellar space.
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