Astronomers worldwide are tracking a new interstellar object, provisionally named A11pl3Z, as it approaches the Sun. This marks the third such object ever detected, following 'Oumuamua (2017) and comet 2I/Borisov (2019).
A11pl3Z was initially spotted by an astrophysics student using the Deep Random Survey in Chile and subsequently observed by telescopes like the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC). The object is estimated to be about 20 kilometers in diameter and traveling at approximately 66 km/s.
It is expected to reach its closest point to the Sun in October, passing at a distance of about 1.35 astronomical units. While not posing a threat to Earth, it will pass relatively close to Mars, offering a unique observation opportunity. Scientists are gathering data to determine its composition and trajectory, hoping to learn more about the materials from other star systems.