On 1 July 2025, astronomers using the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, detected a faint, fast-moving object unlike anything seen before.
The discovery, officially named 3I/ATLAS (C/2025 N1), marks only the third confirmed interstellar object ever observed - after Κ»Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019.
But what exactly is 3I/ATLAS, where is it going, and could this strange visitor from another star be more than just a comet?
What is 3I/ATLAS?
3I/ATLAS is largely believed to be a comet - it has a tail, is brightening as it approaches the Sun, and shows signs of dust and gas being released.
Its name was d
Continue Reading on Euronews
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.