A new object is entering the Solar System from interstellar space. Provisionally named A11pl3Z, it is about 20 kilometers wide and currently travelling at a blistering 66 km/s. Early measurements of its orbit suggest an eccentricity of 6 which, if confirmed, would be strong evidence that it comes from another star.
New Comet
© Taken by E. Guido, M. Rocchetto, J. Ferguson on July 2, 2025 @ remotely from AustraliaNEOCP Object A11pl3Z with a clear interstellar orbit imaged few minutes ago (02.4 July 2025, magn. 16.8 ) via SPACEFLUX network (Australia) through a TEL 0.35-m f/3.0 reflector + CMOS
A11pl3Z was first photographed by NASA's ATLAS asteroid system on June 14th. Only now, though, are astronomers understanding its significance. A11pl3Z is only the third known interstellar object to pass through the Solar System, following mystery object 'Oumuamua in 2017 and comet Borisov in 2019. This makes A11pl3Z a high-priority target for astronomers.

The new visitor will spend months in range of backyard and professional telescopes. According to a preliminary orbit, A11pl3Z will pass between the orbits of Earth and Mars with a close approach to Mars in October 2025. After that, it will begin its journey back to the stars.

Soon, this object will receive an official (pronounceable!) name and online coordinates for amateur observing. Stay tuned for updates!

more images: from Filipp Romanov using a remote-controlled telescope in Rio Hurtado Valley, Chile

UPDATE:

IT'S A COMET! Newly-discovered interstellar object A11pl3Z is showing signs of of an atmosphere and tail. That means it's a comet. Moreover, it has just received an official name from the Minor Planet Center: 3I/ATLAS a.k.a. C/2025 N1 (ATLAS). You can view its orbit and download ephemerides here.