Recently discovered was the first known object from another star (interstellar) to pass through our solar system. In late October this object was confirmed as an oddly shaped asteroid, much like a cigar. It's official name given by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) is 1I/2017 U1, but is better known as Oumuamua, (oh MOO-uh MOO-uh) which is Hawaiian for “a messenger from afar arriving first.” The name was given by those who originally discovered it at an observatory in Hawaii on October, 19, 2017. 

​

A fourth of a mile long, the strange looking space rock has been unattached from a solar system and wandering the Milky Way galaxy for hundreds of millions of years. This discovery proves scientists' theory that there are indeed interstellar objects out there within our solar system, and that it is possible for unattached objects like Oumuamua to be all throughout the galaxy. 

​

Oumuamua is different from comets or asteroids found within our solar system. This asteroids brightness can vary greatly and almost no dust surrounds it. Scientists believe it is most likely comprised of rock and metals and no water or ice. 

​

The asteroid is moving incredibly quickly, 59,000 miles per hour, but will likely not be gone from our system until January 2019 after it passes through Saturn's orbit.