Interstellar Visitors

Objects from interstellar space have zoomed through our solar system since its formation, but only in the past few years have scientists been able to detect and track these interstellar visitors.

A new visiter from outside our solar system, provisionally named A11pl3Z, was identified on July 1, 2025. For photos, see the article Inbound: Astronomers Discover Third Interstellar Object published by Universe Today.

It would be interesting to send a space probe to encounter such an interstellar object, perhaps even having the proble land on the object, take samples, and return to Earth. The probe might leave behind something like the Voyager Golden Record to signal “we are here” to other civilizations.

What many people are hoping for is that the object turns out to be an interstellar spaceship, perhaps as depicted in Arthur C. Clarke’s book Rendezvous with Rama.

Here’s a story idea for science fiction writers: We send a probe to investigate a new interstellar visitor, and the cameras on our probe return images of one or even several other ancient and alien spacecraft that have already landed on the object.

Added July 5, 2025: The official name of the new object is Comet 3I/ATLAS.

The European Space Agency’s Comet Interceptor is scheduled to launch in 2029. The spacecraft will be parked in orbit. When a comet approaches the sun in an orbit suitable for interception, ESA scientists will send two probes from the spacecraft to the comet.