Astronomers are buzzing after the discovery of 3I/ATLAS, a mysterious interstellar object hurtling through our solar system, and a new theory suggests it could help create planets. NASA 3I/ATLAS has baffled scientists and sparked numerous alien theories. Planet formation normally happens through accretion — small particles sticking together over millions of years. Interstellar “seeds” might speed up the process, offering a fast track to building Jupiter-sized worlds. “Interstellar objects may be able to jump-start planet formation, in particular around higher-mass stars,” Pfalzner said.