New Interstellar Object Dubbed 2I/Borisov

A new interstellar object has been discovered, and it is only the second such object ever discovered by astronomers. This one has been found inside our solar system and is currently being observed by astronomers from around the world. The object is described as having a comet-like appearance and has been named 2I/Borisov by the IAU.

The name comes from the amateur astronomer who discovered the interstellar visitor, Gennady Borisov. Borisov is from MARGO observatory in Crimea. 2I/Borisov has a condensed coma and a short tail according to observations. Borisov discovered the interstellar visitor using a 0.65-meter telescope that he built himself.

The object has been observed by amateur and professional astronomers for a week. The IAU Minor Planet Center was able to compute a preliminary orbit and suggested the object was interstellar. Further investigation has determined unambiguously that the object is interstellar in origin.

The astronomers say that of all the comets discovered so far, none has an orbit as hyperbolic as that of 2I/Borisov. The comet will make its closest approach to the Sun on December 7, 2019. It will be 2 AU from the Sun and 2AU from Earth. The comet will be the brightest in the southern sky by December and January.

It's unclear if the comet will be visible to the naked eye. After reaching its closest orbit to the Sun on December 7, the comet will begin its journey out of our solar system and will never be seen again. Scientists say that the comet appears to be a few kilometers in diameter. It is said to resemble typical cometary nuclei. Scientists are keen to study the comet while it is in our solar system. Telescopes around the world are scanning the skies for signs of additional interstellar visitors.