The Digital Press

Astronomers may have discovered a third interstellar object passing through our solar system, detected by the University of Hawaii’s ATLAS team. Scientists are currently confirming its trajectory and characteristics as it moves near Jupiter.

Why it matters: Interstellar objects offer rare opportunities to study material from other star systems without leaving our solar system.

The big picture: This would be the third known interstellar visitor after ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and Comet 2I/Borisov in 2019.

Stunning stat: Some interstellar objects can be up to a quarter-mile long and have unusual shapes unlike typical asteroids or comets.

Commenters say: Many emphasize the importance of precise language—there is only one solar system, and these objects come from other star systems beyond it.