How do we map a spotted star? Many stars are polka dotted, but we generally can’t observe their spots directly. Astronomers developed and tested a new tool using data from NASA missions that can help map the spot patterns on a star’s surface using data we’ve collected on the hunt for exoplanets, worlds beyond our solar system. When a planet passes in front of, or transits, its host star, it blocks a tiny bit of the light. Transits have revealed thousands of planets outside our solar system, and

Meet 3I/Atlas — only the third confirmed interstellar object ever tracked. Discovered by the ATLAS sky survey on July 1st, its name comes from “3I” = third interstellar, and “ATLAS” = the telescope system that spotted it. It’s not bound to our Sun. Instead, it’s traveling from deep space, passing through our solar system on a brief visit. Closest approach? March 16th next year. Don’t miss it — another messenger from beyond the stars. | The Randall Carlson

Multiple Star Systems - NASA Science