Interstellar Objects and the New Solar System

Professor Lintott explores interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, Solar System mysteries, and discoveries revolutionizing our cosmic neighbourhood. Important • This public lecture will begin at 7:00 PM. Your ticket is valid until 6:45 PM. This ensures all guests have enough time to enter the Theatre and be seated by our ushers. • The talk will be livestreamed via our YouTube channel with a recording of the talk available following the event. • Our ushers seat guests beginning from the front rows of the Theatre toward the back. Love Science? Help Us Share It. This event—and all of our public science programming—is made possible thanks to donor support. If you’d like to help keep science accessible for all, consider a gift of $5–$25 to support our educational outreach programs: Fuel Discovery --- Title Interstellar Objects and the New Solar System Description In July 2025, a telescope in Chile captured the unexpected appearance of an incoming object, known as 3I/ATLAS. This small comet likely formed billons of years before the Sun, in a star system in a very different part of the galaxy to that which we find ourselves in, and is only the third interstellar object yet detected passing through the Solar System. Professor Chris Lintott explores what these enigmatic objects can tell us and how they might have influenced the Earth’s formation. This lecture will also consider the new science of what we’re learning from the small bodies of the Solar System, including the latest results from the OSIRIS-REx mission to threatening near Earth object Bennu. The results taken together suggest a much more dynamic, and even chaotic, history for the Solar System than many would have expected. With the Vera Rubin Observatory, which will discover 3-5 million asteroids in the next year or two, coming on stream, we stand on the cusp of a revolution in what we know about our cosmic neighbourhood. About the Speaker Chris Lintott is a Professor of Astrophysics and Citizen Science Lead at the University of Oxford, where he is also a Research Fellow at New College. His research focuses on galaxy formation, machine learning, citizen science and the study of interstellar objects. He is a co-founder and leading figure in Zooniverse, the world’s largest platform for online citizen science, which enables millions of volunteers around the world to participate in scientific research. He is also the 39th Professor of Astronomy at Gresham College in London, where he delivers public lectures on astronomy and the Universe. Beyond his academic work, Professor Lintott is an author and a broadcaster for the BBC’s long-running The Sky at Night program. He is deeply involved in public engagement and outreach, with a particular interest in bringing the excitement of astronomical discovery to broad audiences. Tickets Tickets are free and must be reserved through Eventbrite, as there is no on-site box office. TICKETS ARE VALID UNTIL 6:45 PM THE DAY OF THE EVENT. Perimeter Institute is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for everyone. All event attendees are expected to uphold these values. Harassment, discrimination, or any form of misconduct will not be tolerated and will be addressed promptly and appropriately. Thank you for helping us ensure a positive experience for all.