Archive · 3 Jul 2025
Scientists Spot Possible Third Interstellar Object Near Jupiter
Imagine space as a giant ocean and our solar system as an island.
Sometimes, things from other star systems, like little space rocks, drift into our island.
Scientists have found one of these!
They call it A11pl3Z.
It's near Jupiter and may be made of rock or ice.
Scientists are watching it closely, but it will not hit Earth.
The first ones were Oumuamua and 21/Borisov.
An object, A11pl3Z, may be the third interstellar object to enter our solar system.
The object was spotted by the European Space Agency (ESA) near Jupiter.
Scientists are unsure if the object is a rocky asteroid or an icy comet.
A11pl3Z is moving towards Earth but will pass near Mars, posing no danger.
Further observations are underway to determine the object's origins and composition.
- Who
- The European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA scientists are monitoring the object.
- What
- A potential interstellar object, A11pl3Z, has been detected.
- When
- The discovery was recently announced.
- Where
- Currently near Jupiter, moving towards Mars.
- Why
- To confirm if it is an interstellar object and to study its composition and origin.
- Object Designation
- A11pl3Z
- Location
- Near Jupiter, moving towards Mars
- Potential Origin
- Interstellar
- Estimated Size
- Roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) across
- Closest Approach to Earth
- Approximately 176 million miles (284 million kilometers) away
- First Confirmed Interstellar Object
- Oumuamua (2017)
- Second Confirmed Interstellar Object
- 21/Borisov (2019)
