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'Oumuamua was spotted by the Haleakalā Observatory in Hawaii on October 19, 2017. Initially classified as a comet, it was soon reclassified as an asteroid when no coma—a characteristic feature of comets—was detected. It was determined that 'Oumuamua was traveling at a hyperbolic trajectory, meaning it was not bound to the Sun’s gravity and would ultimately escape our solar system.
With its unique designation of 1I/2017 U1, scientists were thrust into excitement and speculation, eager to understand its origins and compare it to objects within our own solar system.