Interstellar objects as a research area focus on the detection, characterization, and dynamical analysis of solid bodies that originate outside a planetary system and traverse or enter another, such as the Solar System. This field integrates observational astronomy, celestial mechanics, planetary science, and astrochemistry to constrain their trajectories, compositions, sizes, shapes, rotational states, and possible formation environments. Research investigates their implications for planetesimal formation, mass loss from planetary systems, galactic dynamical processes, and the transfer of material between stellar systems, as well as optimizing observational strategies and instrumentation for their rapid identification and follow-up before they exit observational reach.
A flying piece of cosmic rock or an alien threat? Comet 3I/ATLAS is hurtling through our solar system and captivating scientists and internet users alike, even prompting Kim Kardashian to ask NASA for answers.
Space Exploration
Nov 20, 2025
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NASA unveiled close-up pictures on Wednesday of the interstellar comet that's making a quick one-and-done tour of the solar system.
Space Exploration
Nov 19, 2025
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Since comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar object, was discovered on 1 July 2025, astronomers worldwide have worked to predict its trajectory. ESA has now improved the comet's predicted location by a factor of 10, ...
Astronomy
Nov 14, 2025
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The interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS just flew past Mars, and China's Tianwen-1 mission managed to snap some pics with its high-resolution camera. According to the China National Space Agency (CNSA), the orbiter's high-resolution ...
Astronomy
Nov 10, 2025
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We know of three interstellar objects (ISO) that have visited our inner solar system. Oumuamua was the first one, and it came and went in 2017. 2l/Borisov, an interstellar comet, was next, appearing in 2019. And right now, ...
Planetary Sciences
Nov 10, 2025
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On October 29, Comet 3I/ATLAS reached its closest point to the sun.
Astronomy
Nov 3, 2025
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An interstellar comet that originated outside our solar system has just made its closest pass to the sun, brightening dramatically and rapidly as it did so. The reason for the sudden extreme activity is currently puzzling ...
Using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an international team of astronomers have detected a new exoplanet orbiting a bright K-type star known as TOI-283. The newfound alien world, which received the designation ...
All sorts of crazy things have been suggested regarding 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar object that we've discovered. Some are simply conspiracy theories about it being an alien spacecraft, while others have been well-thought-out ...
Planetary Sciences
Oct 21, 2025
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The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS has been something of a mystery ever since it graced our solar system. From all outward appearances, the object appears to be a comet that originated in another star system and was ejected ...
Astronomy
Oct 13, 2025
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