Unbound by gravity, an icy comet formed some 7 to 10 billion years ago has been traveling through space at breakneck speed ever since.

Originating from outside our solar system, this visitor was detected in July . On Oct. 29, it will pass behind the sun. Then, in March of next year, it will soar past Mars on its way out of our solar system.

Astronomers around the world are taking note, including in Vermont.

Alain Brizard is an astrophysicist and professor at St. Michael’s College in Colchester. He said this comet is distinct from the other two interstellar comets from the past decade and from periodic comets — like Halley's Comet — that are visible every 80 years or so.

Plus, this icy chunk has a one-way ticket.

And though casual observers with binoculars can't readily see Comet 3I

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