3I/ATLAS, only the third known interstellar object to enter our solar system, has intrigued scientists since its discovery in early July.

Likely a comet, it reached its closest point to the Sun on October 29, brightening much faster than expected.

Observations from NASA’s STEREO, ESA’s SOHO, and NOAA’s GOES-19 satellites showed this rapid luminosity increase, which may be linked to its extreme speed of 137,000 mph or unique composition.

The object also appears distinctly bluer than the Sun, suggesting gas emissions contribute to its brightness, Futurism has reported.

Earth-based observations will resume in December when 3I/ATLAS emerges from behind the Sun, allowing astronomers to study it in greater detail.