On Wednesday, the European Space Agency revealed that its Planetary Defenders are tracking a fast-moving “interstellar object” zipping through the solar system. While some might hope it’s an alien spacecraft—finally giving Paul Krugman a win—chances are it’s just another space rock.
“Astronomers may have just discovered the third interstellar object passing through the Solar System!” ESA said, adding, “ESA’s Planetary Defenders are observing the object, provisionally known as A11pl3Z, right now using telescopes around the world.”
It’s still unclear whether A11pl3Z is a rocky asteroid, an icy comet, or something else entirely. Its size and shape also remain unknown. NASA has confirmed it is actively tracking the object, while astronomers say more observations are needed to determine its origin.
Hellbound and Down 