Astronomers Observed The First Interstellar Object

Turns out, it came from another star system. This is the first humanity has observed an interstellar object. Astronomers discovered it on Oct 19th. At first, they thought it was comet, but its orbit was unlike anything ever seen before and it was travelling at unusually high speeds: 85,700 mph.

So, astronomers reclassified the object as an interstellar asteroid. Asteroids in our solar system are usually round and lumpy, but this object probably looks more like a giant cigar. Observations suggest it's about a quarter mile long. Right now, it's about 124 million miles from Earth.

Over the next 2 years, it will pass by Jupiter and Saturn orbits. Astronomers predict it will leave our solar system in Jan 2019. Making its way into deep space toward the constellation Pegasus. It may be the first interstellar visitor but the bigger question is" Will it be the last?