Experts have confirmed that the mysterious object hurtling towards us, previously dubbed A11pl3Z, is an "interstellar object." The cosmic interloper, officially named 3I/ATLAS, is only the third of its kind ever seen — and will shoot past Earth later this year.

Astronomers have observed an object that originated from beyond our solar system, thought to be an interstellar comet, speeding through our celestial neighborhood.

A new interstellar object, A11pl3Z, has been discovered in our solar system, marking the third such object to be observed. It was first discovered zipping near the sun this fall.