ʻOumuamua' Visualization—First Known Interstellar Object to Visit Solar System
A visualization of 'Oumuamua', the first known interstellar object detected passing through our Solar System. This cosmic wanderer may have been traveling for billions of years before astronomers spotted it. Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS raced through our solar system at 130,000 miles per hour. It was only the third interstellar object ever discovered.
Interstellar objects are objects that originate outside of, and are observed passing through, our Solar System. Ranging from tens of meters to a few kilometers in size, these objects are pieces of cosmic debris leftover from the formation of their host star’s planetary systems. As these remnants orbit their star, the gravity of nearby larger planets and passing nearby stars can launch them out of their home systems and into interstellar space, where they can cross paths with other solar systems.
When discovered, it was about 410 million miles (670 million kilometers) away from the Sun, within the orbit of Jupiter. The origin of Comet 3I/ATLAS remains unknown. Since this is the third interstellar object ever discovered, its name begins with the number 3 and the letter I. Comet 3I/ATLAS posed no known threat to Earth. Meanwhile, it has provides a fascinating and rare opportunity for scientists to study these interstellar interlopers.
Release Date: Feb. 9, 2026
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