It would make the comet named 3I/Atlas only the third object discovered to have existed outside of the solar system. Scientists believe 3I/Atlas was formed in the Milky Way's "thick disk", part of the galaxy that extends farther above and below the ...

Scientists now say an interstellar comet discovered earlier this month could be one of the oldest that astronomers have ever encountered.

Kareta says that come October, when the comet gets closer to Earth, "under dark skies ... with a big telescope and some patience, maybe you might be able to see it." Which he says would be special because, "that might be the first time anyone has actually seen the light from an interstellar object with their own eyes."

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a cosmic first for this decade, astronomers have identified a mysterious comet from another galaxy — marking only the third time in history that an interstellar object has entered our solar system.

The interstellar comet 3I/Atlas is the fastest and largest of its kind, giving astronomers a rare glimpse into extrasolar origins.

NASA has discovered the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, located 4.5 au from the Sun, offering a rare glimpse into celestial bodies from outside our solar system. Scientists confirm it poses no threat to Earth as it passes closely by in late October.

Space scientists say they are preparing a comet interceptor spaceship as the third interstellar object ever detected was spotted this week. A mysterious object the size of Manhattan was spotted by astronomers hurtling through our Solar System at extraordinary speed.