logo
An interstellar object is passing through our solar system right now, and you can stream it live online

An interstellar object is passing through our solar system right now, and you can stream it live online

Fast Company14 hours ago
BY K.R. Callaway
Listen to this Article More info
0:00 / 0:00
An interstellar object called 3I/ATLAS is passing through our solar system this year, NASA announced yesterday. Today at 6 p.m. ET, you can see it for yourself, thanks to a livestream from the Virtual Telescope Project.
3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar object ever detected within our solar system, following 'Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. These objects moved quickly through our solar system, giving astronomers limited time to study them—just two weeks in 'Oumuamua's case.
However, scientists currently expect 3I/ATLAS to continue getting brighter and more visible until September 2025, giving astronomers and interested nonscientists more chances to see it themselves.
'This is a tremendous step forward and a tremendous opportunity,' says Teddy Kareta, a postdoctoral researcher at Lowell Observatory in Arizona and press officer at the American Astronomical Society's division for planetary science, tells Fast Company. 'And if the public is excited about it, the astronomers are twice as excited. It's a really big deal.'
Subscribe to the Daily newsletter.Fast Company's trending stories delivered to you every day
Privacy Policy
|
Fast Company Newsletters
'The building blocks of planets'
The object was discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). One of the observatories affiliated with this NASA-funded system, El Sauce Observatory in Chile, first spotted it in photos taken July 1.
So far, astronomers think it's a comet, an icy body that appears to have a tail due to gas and dust trailing behind it. Comet movements are largely predictable, and NASA is confident the object is merely passing by us.
'The comet poses no threat to Earth and will remain at a distance of at least 1.6 astronomical units (about 150 million miles or 240 million kilometers),' NASA wrote in a statement about the object's discovery.
Scientists study interstellar objects the same way they study the comets and asteroids that form closer to home, asking what the objects are made of and how they formed.
But for interstellar objects, the answers to these questions yield answers about what the universe is like outside our solar system, ultimately giving us a better idea of whether our solar system is rare in some way and if intelligent life on Earth is alone in the universe.
'These [interstellar objects] are the building blocks of planets from other planetary systems,' Kareta says. 'That lets us ask really fundamental questions about why our solar system looks the way it does.'
advertisement
How and when to see the object as it zips by
Beyond the philosophical questions this object lets us ask, it is also an opportunity to see something truly out of this world.
The Virtual Telescope Project's livestream will show imagery from telescopes in Italy starting at 6 p.m. ET today (Thursday, July 3). You can watch from the VTP's website or on YouTube.
And even if you miss the livestream, it won't be your last chance to see the object. Scientists predict even amateur astronomers might be able to see the object with their telescopes as the object gets closer to the sun and brighter.
'It might require you getting up early or staying up late,' Kareta says. 'But you're seeing light reflected off of something that formed around another star . . . What a wild experience.'
Because these objects are so rarely detected and such a recent area of study, astronomers from different disciplines—such as those who study exoplanets and those who study comets or asteroids—come together to study them.
'That's where the best and most interesting science gets done and when you can push the envelope in a way that doesn't just matter to me and my research group, but to tons of people across the world,' Kareta says.
The super-early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is Friday, July 25, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
K.R. Callaway is an editorial intern at Fast Company, where she covers the intersection of science and business More
Explore Topics
discovery
Science
space
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How China is leading the humanoid robots race
How China is leading the humanoid robots race

Fast Company

timean hour ago

  • Fast Company

How China is leading the humanoid robots race

I've worked at the bleeding edge of robotics innovation in the United States for almost my entire professional life. Never before have I seen another country advance so quickly. In the span of the last few years, China has overtaken the U.S. as the leader in the robotics race, especially when it comes to humanoid robots designed to mimic the human body and behavior. Earlier this year China literally raced robots against human counterparts, and they show no sign of slowing down. While AI steals the investment and media spotlight, the competition for humanoid robotics supremacy has been quietly accelerating for 50 years, and we're now on the cusp of a momentous breakthrough. Mass-produced humanoid robots may reach us within the next 3–5 years, and the market is predicted to grow to $38B within just 10 years. China is poised to capture the lion's share of this industry: Morgan Stanley found that 56% of robotics companies are already based there. However, this competition isn't just about market share—it's about industrial supremacy. Fixed industrial robots now operate with productivity rates estimated to be 10 times that of humans, working almost 24/7 with virtually no errors. In this new era of free-moving humanoid robots, adaptable machines will navigate entire factory floors with equal precision and even higher productivity rates than their fixed (and human) counterparts. American companies like Boston Dynamics are building impressive prototypes but those don't win industrial wars, production does. If the U.S. continues to lag behind in the robotics race, American businesses will face increased supply chain dependence on China and citizens could see wage stagnation and job losses to robotics leaders overseas. I witnessed the U.S. lead the world in robotic advancements. Two of my humanoid robots went into space; one called 'Robonaut' now lives in the Smithsonian. Over the past decade, our momentum has slowed. To take back robotics supremacy, the U.S. must overcome four critical hurdles that could cost us this race. Why the U.S. Isn't 'All-In' on Humanoids Yes, Chinese robotics startups are benefiting from established supply chains, local adoption opportunities, and strong national government support, but nagging domestic problems are holding the United States back, regardless of any other country's advancements. First, we're battling our own cultural fears. There's a prevailing anxiety that robots will replace human jobs, particularly in factories. While massive change in manufacturing is fast approaching, the fear of replacement is not only wrong—it's counterproductive. Humanoid robots excel at 'dirty, dark, and dangerous' jobs that often lack willing human labor anyway. To overcome U.S. cultural fears around robotics, we must think of robots not as standing in our place but standing by our sides. WWII was won as much on the mechanized manufacturing floor as on the battlefield and novel machines were essential to winning the space race. When Robonaut shook hands with a fellow astronaut aboard the International Space Station, it was proof that robots can and should support human work, not compete with it. Second, we're not cultivating the people behind the humanoids. The real challenge in winning the humanoid race isn't job displacement; it's the massive lack of skilled domestic workers to develop, operate, and maintain advanced robotics. At Texas A&M, I teach brilliant students ready to tackle real-world problems with robots. Educating the workforce about how to leverage robots will empower the next generation and dispel fear. However, across the country, preparation for careers in STEM is lacking. We need more accessible science programs, apprenticeships, and pathways into robotics now. Third, the economics still intimidate us. Developing humanoid robots involves significant upfront costs and still faces expensive technical hurdles, including improving spatial awareness and task adaptability. But here's what the bean counters are missing: once mass production kicks in, the cost of robot labor could plummet from $10 to just $0.25 per hour in as little as 10 years. The industry will transform overnight and whichever country controls this shift owns the future of manufacturing. Focusing on the future affordability of robot labor will incentivize both the private and public sector to invest now. Fourth, our policy framework is falling behind. While the U.S. offers some incentives for research and innovation, they pale in comparison to China's commitment. The Chinese government has poured over $20 billion into robotics and next-generation technologies, providing subsidies for startups and covering costs for equipment and talent acquisition. They're projected to match U.S. robotics research and development levels by 2034. Meanwhile, current U.S. tax code continues to disincentivize longer-term innovation projects by forcing companies to pay more up front for R&D. As the U.S. federal government increasingly overlaps its ambitions with AI tech companies, so too must it champion the development of humanoid robots as a national security and productivity imperative. How America Can Take The Lead Again In tandem with overcoming these inherent challenges, the U.S. must seize two unique opportunities that offer a high return on investment and a clear path to victory. Humanoid robots can maintain our edge in advanced manufacturing. Humanoids integrated with AI and embedded into the internet of things will create smart factories that enhance precision, improve product quality, and accelerate production times. The U.S. currently leads the world in the development of smart textiles —humanoid robots could accelerate production to maintain this advantage. Warehouses offer an arena for rapid humanoid adoption. The number of warehouses across the U.S. continues to expand, with Amazon recently announcing plans for dozens more across rural areas. Our vast network of warehouses is primed for humanoid robots to revolutionize its operations by automating sorting, packing, and transport alongside humans to boost efficiency and slash costs. These aren't theoretical applications: they're already being tested at sites like BMW's South Carolina plant, where robotics partners are deployed for logistics and warehousing tasks. These deployments leverage our existing strengths in technology and innovation while addressing real, immediate market needs. We don't need to wait for the perfect humanoid robot—we can start dominating these sectors today and build from there. This race not just about machines; it's about maintaining U.S. leadership in technology, safety, and industrial strength. If we want the next generation of robotics to serve American interests, we must act now or be left standing on the sidelines of the next industrial revolution. During my two decades at NASA, I saw what American innovators can achieve when given a mission. We sent robots to the Moon, Mars, and into orbit—not because it was easy, but because we believed it mattered for future generations. That same spirit must drive our investment in humanoid robotics today so we can cross the finish line first tomorrow.

Astronomers spot 'interstellar object' speeding through solar system
Astronomers spot 'interstellar object' speeding through solar system

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Astronomers spot 'interstellar object' speeding through solar system

An "interstellar object" is speeding toward the inner solar system, where Earth is located, astronomers have confirmed. The object -- likely a comet -- was first detected in data collected between by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, or ATLAS -- an asteroid impact early warning system in Rio Hurtado, Chile, funded by NASA, the space agency announced on Tuesday. MORE: NASA detects new planet with temperatures that suggest habitable conditions Properties such as a marginal coma and short tail indicate signs of cometary activity, according to the Minor Planet Center. Numerous telescopes have reported additional observations since the object was first reported, NASA said. Observations from three different ATLAS telescopes around the world -- as well as the Zwicky Transient Facility at the Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California -- dating back to June 14 were gathered and provided data that supports the existence of the comet, according to a NASA update released Wednesday. It appears to be originating from interstellar space, arriving from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius, and is currently about 420 million miles from Earth, according to NASA. The comet poses no threat to Earth and will remain at a distance of at least 150 million miles, astronomers said. It is estimated to reach its closest approach to the sun around Oct. 30, where it will cross at about 130 million miles away, just inside the orbit of Mars, according to NASA. MORE: NASA catches a glimpse of 'city-killer' asteroid before it disappears until 2028 The object, dubbed "A11pl3Z" or "3I/ATLAS," spans approximately 25 miles, Josep Trigo-Rodriguez, as astrophysicist at the Institute of Space Sciences near Barcelona, Spain, told The Associated Press. It's traveling at a speed of about 152,000 mph and approaching the inner solar system from the bar of the Milky Way, Live Science reported. Its trajectory suggests it did not originate in this solar system, according to This is only the third time in history that an interstellar object entering the inner solar system has been recorded. A cigar-shaped interstellar object called "Oumuamua," the Hawaiian word for "scout," was detected in 2017. And in 2019, an object named "21/Borisov" -- a comet that likely strayed from another star system -- was located. MORE: Asteroid nearly hits Earth in Siberia, with a 2nd massive asteroid passing this week Astronomers will continue to investigate the size and physical properties of the comet through September, after which it will pass too close to the sun to remain visible, NASA said. The comet is expected to reappear on the other side of the sun in early December, NASA said.

RDEB: Large Wounds Healed With Genetically Corrected Grafts
RDEB: Large Wounds Healed With Genetically Corrected Grafts

Medscape

time2 hours ago

  • Medscape

RDEB: Large Wounds Healed With Genetically Corrected Grafts

In a recently published phase 3 trial, credit card-sized cultured skin grafts corrected for the COL7A1 mutation that causes recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) and enabled most patients to achieve at least 50% reductions in the size of large chronic wounds, with an overall mean pain score reduction of more than 2 points at week 24. In April 2025, prademagene zamikeracel (Zevaskyn, Abeona Therapeutics) became the first FDA-approved cell-based genetic therapy when it was approved for the treatment of wounds in adult and pediatric patients with RDEB. It is the first commercially available RDEB treatment to demonstrate sustained wound healing and pain reduction for large, chronic RDEB wounds, according to investigators. 'These wounds are the most terrible and difficult to treat in our patients,' the study's lead principal investigator Jean Y. Tang, MD , PhD, professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, California, said in an interview. 'To have a therapy using the patient's cells to suture on, hopefully close their wounds, and reduce their pain is monumental.' Jean Y. Tang, MD , PhD For the VIITAL trial, published online on June 23 in The Lancet , Tang and colleagues enrolled 11 patients with clinically and genetically confirmed RDEB (median age, 21 years) and no evidence of immune response to type VII collagen. To reduce the likelihood of immunogenicity, only patients with the amino-terminal NC1 fragment of type VII collagen could enroll. Investigators selected 43 wounds of at least 6 months' duration measuring at least 20 cm2 for treatment and compared these results against standard care for 43 randomly assigned control wounds matched for size, chronicity, and location. Grafting Process Using 8-mm punch biopsies from unaffected skin, investigators transduced isolated keratinocytes with a retrovirus carrying the full-length human COL7A1 gene, then used those keratinocytes to culture up to 12 40 cm2 sheets of autologous keratinocytes per patient. After 25 days, surgeons sutured up to six sheets of prademagene zamikeracel per patient, with each procedure taking 3-4 hours. To minimize pressure and friction, patients remained hospitalized with no changes of nonadhesive contact dressings for 7 days postsurgery. Images of wounds randomly assigned to prademagene zamikeracel or control at baseline, surgery, and week 24. Investigator assessments showed that 24 weeks posttreatment, 81% of treated patients achieved at least 50% healing from baseline vs 16% of control wounds ( P < .0001). Mean pain reduction from baseline (measured with the Wong-Baker Faces scale within 3 hours after dressing change) was 3.07 among treated patients vs 0.90 for control wounds ( P = .0002). Also at week 24, 16% of treated wounds achieved complete healing, with a 2.0-point decrease in itch severity from baseline. The corresponding figures for control wounds were 0 (healing) and 0.5 (itch). In the past 3 years, the FDA and the European Medicines Agency also have approved topical beremagene geperpavec (Vyjuvek) and birch triterpenes (Filsuvez) for dystrophic EB. However, wrote Tang and colleagues, the wounds treated with these therapies were mostly less than 20 cm2, and both treatments require repeated application. Nor did they improve pain or itchin clinical trials, added Tang. Having the first permanent gene correction for RDEB is very exciting, said Amy Paller, MS, MD, professor and chair of Dermatology and professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University, Chicago. She was not involved with the phase 3 study but will run the first of several specialized centers where prademagene zamikeracel will be applied. Amy Paller, MS, MD 'This is the first instance in our field where a gene has been corrected for grafting and is commercially available,' Paller said. 'It's something that we and our patients dreamed about for genetic skin disorders.' Logistics and Labor Performing the treatment is logistically complex and 'incredibly labor-intensive,' Paller said. The process requires rushing biopsies to Abeona's good manufacturing practice facility in Cleveland, where over the next few weeks, the keratinocytes are grown out, corrected, expanded markedly, and quality tested. 'It's a very expensive procedure with many moving parts,' she said. Accordingly, Paller plans to start with three patients from her own practice, beginning in August. Additionally, she is consulting with other interested families in the Midwest and will soon expand outreach to her other patients. 'I want experience with the process in patients I have known for years before grafting additional patients,' she explained. Prademagene zamikeracel's retroviral component may provoke discussion. Tang explained, 'We take the biopsy from the patient's skin, grow their keratinocyte skin cells, and use a retrovirus containing wild-type collagen VII to introduce that into the patient's skin cells. There's always a theoretical concern of retroviruses maybe hitting off-target genes, but so far, we and others haven't seen that.' In a phase 1/2a study, investigators followed seven patients treated with what was then known as EB-101 for a mean of 5.9 years. There were no serious adverse events related to treatment, with no gene therapy-related cutaneous or extracutaneous malignancies or evidence of systemic replication-competent retrovirus infections in serum samples from patients. The beauty of grafting skin, Paller added, is that development of a tumor — while unexpected — would be easily visible and biopsied, just as dermatologists now biopsy for suspected squamous cell carcinoma, a feared complication related to the scarred skin in patients with RDEB. Treated patients will require a long-term commitment to surveillance, she said, with a low threshold for considering biopsy if a change suggesting carcinoma is seen. The FDA recommends that manufacturers of genetic products follow patients for 15 years posttreatment. Clinical and Research Implications Although the phase 3 study showed the utility of correcting genetically defective collagen VII in treating RDEB, said Tang, the cell therapy approach could prove useful for additional genetic skin diseases such as ichthyosis and Gorlin syndrome. Paller said she hopes that junctional EB will be the next candidate for gene-corrected grafts. However, she added, with more extensive clinical experience and cost reductions over time, grafting of gene-corrected skin could be considered to improve focal areas in other forms of EB and genetic skin disorders. For the near term, Paller said she also hopes that insurers will not block access to the other approved RDEB treatments for patients who undergo prademagene zamikeracel treatment. 'I trust that that won't happen because these patients are so needy,' she said. To help patients access treatment, Abeona offers the Abeona Assist program, which helps patients understand their insurance benefits and financial assistance options and provides travel and logistical assistance. 'As far as I'm concerned,' said Paller, 'each patient with EB should have everything at our disposal to help — this is such a horrible disease. If I can graft a 12 credit card-sized area and then keep them going with tricks for other areas, I'll be very happy.' The study was funded by Abeona Therapeutics, which developed prademagene zamikeracel, which also conducted data analysis and employs several study co-authors. Tang is listed on the prademagene zamikeracel patent, which is licensed by Stanford University to Abeona, but she receives no royalties. Additionally, Tang has consulted on EB-related therapeutics for BridgeBio and Fibroderm. Paller served on the VIITAL data safety monitoring board and has consulted for Chiesi, Krystal, and Castle Creek Biosciences.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store