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.

© 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.
Comment: Other videos of the event: