Episodes from Abc

Discovering 3I/ATLAS: Our New Interstellar Visitor

In this episode of Cosmic Curiosities, we explore the thrilling discovery of 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar object confirmed to visit our Solar System. Joined by Professor Jonti Horner from the University of Southern Queensland, we delve into the characteristics that make 3I/ATLAS unique, including its incredible speed of 60 kilometers per second and its unusual orbit. We discuss how it was discovered by the ATLAS telescope and what astronomers hope to learn from studying this celestial wanderer. Although visibility from Earth will be limited during its closest approach to the Sun, the data collected could provide invaluable insights into the composition of interstellar objects and the building blocks of other solar systems. Tune in to uncover the mysteries of our universe and stay curious!