I/ATLAS is just the third recorded interstellar object to enter the solar system. However, the scientific consensus is that it's likely a comet.

Earlier this month, astronomers made a fascinating discovery: a mysterious object, dubbed 3I/ATLAS, with interstellar origins hurtling through the solar system at extreme speeds. As scientists are racing to get a better understanding of the extremely rare visitor — it's only the third confirmed interstellar object to have ventured into our solar system — some intriguing theories have emerged.