This Is Not a Recent Image of an Unidentified Interstellar Rock
The Claim
An image shows an unidentified interstellar object that has recently left our solar system.
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Emerging story
Social media users and websites recently shared an image that purportedly shows an unidentified interstellar object that has recently left our solar system.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading. The image is an artwork that dates back to at least 2017.
Upon conducting a reverse image search, Misbar’s team found that the circulating image is an artistic impression of the first interstellar asteroid.
Artwork by Martin Kornmesser
Martin Kornmesser is a graphic designer working at the ESA/NASA Hubble European Space Agency Information Centre.
Kornmesser obtained his degree in graphics design in Munich, in 1989.
In 1990, Kornmesser co-founded the company ART-M, where he created illustrations, wall-paintings, and graphic designs.
An Interstellar Object Sailed Past Earth
News of an interstellar rock sailing past Earth in space also dates back to 2017.
Back in 2017, a large unidentified interstellar rock, thought to be an asteroid, was discovered by scientists who determined that it was not from our solar system.
The object was called “‘Oumuamua,” Hawaiian for the first messenger who arrives from afar.
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