An interstellar visitor is barreling closer to our sun, giving scientists a rare opportunity to observe an object from outside our celestial backyard.

The comet 3I/ATLAS is just the third known object from outside our solar system to be found passing through. It's expected to reach its closest point to the sun by late October.

The object was first discovered by NASA in July — and its extreme speed and other seemingly unusual characteristics have fueled speculations and caused some to ask: Aliens?

Cue 'Shadow the Scientists'

Jameeka Marshall at the UC Santa Cruz said that the comet has always stirred people's imagination.

"Could this be something that aliens — another civilization — sent to us? That has been starting a conversation,” Marshall told LAist.

Marshall said she can’t begr

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