All articles tagged with #comet 3iatlas
NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope detected methane in the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS for the first time, finding a high methane-to-water ratio and strong carbon dioxide near the nucleus, with water vapor spreading through the coma. Observations on two dates as the comet receded from the Sun suggest methane was buried beneath the surface, indicating a formation chemistry quite different from most Solar System comets.
ESA's Juice spacecraft imaged interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it skimmed the Sun, illustrating how deep-space observations can reveal distant objects not visible from Earth and improve early warning by refining their orbits, a capability that complements Earth-based tracking and planetary-defense efforts.
During its closest approach to Earth, the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was observed by the Breakthrough Listen project for signs of alien technosignatures, but no credible signals were detected. Simultaneously, another team estimated the comet's size to be around 1 km based on its non-gravitational acceleration, confirming its natural cometary nature. The efforts highlight ongoing searches for extraterrestrial signals and detailed studies of interstellar objects.
This week in science, advancements include a longer-lasting quantum processor, the departure of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, AI tackling complex math problems, pumas exhibiting new behaviors after conservation efforts, and a record-breaking gamma-ray burst, highlighting significant progress and discoveries across various fields.
Comet 3I/ATLAS, discovered in July 2025, reached its closest point to Earth last night and is now moving away. It can be viewed via a live webcast or with backyard telescopes, though it appears as a tiny star-like point at magnitude 11. The comet offers a rare opportunity to observe an interstellar object, with additional images released by NASA from the Europa Clipper spacecraft.
Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar visitor from beyond the Milky Way, made its closest approach to Earth on December 19, coming within 168 million miles, and is now heading back to the outer solar system. Its trajectory suggests it originated from an older, thick disk region of the galaxy, making it potentially the oldest comet observed. Its unexpected brightening near the sun has intrigued scientists, and data from this encounter will enhance understanding of interstellar objects and galactic history.
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS recently made its closest approach to Earth at 168 million miles, passing through our solar system on its way out to interstellar space, with various live streams and observations capturing its passage.
Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object from beyond our solar system, is approaching Earth and will make its closest pass on December 19, 2025. NASA has confirmed it is a comet, not an alien spaceship, and scientists are excited to study it as it provides a rare opportunity to learn about objects from outside our solar system.
Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar visitor to pass through our solar system, is approaching its closest point to Earth on December 19, 2025, providing scientists a rare opportunity to study this ancient celestial object as it races away from the sun and out of our solar system.
The UN's International Asteroid Warning Network is closely monitoring comet 3I/ATLAS as it approaches Earth on December 19, with over 80 observers tracking its trajectory to better understand and predict similar objects, involving both professional and citizen scientists in a global effort.
Comet 3I/ATLAS has re-emerged into the morning sky in November 2025, with new images showing its tail lengthening as it approaches the Sun, thanks to observations from Earth and Mars orbiters, highlighting its evolving condition and activity.
Recent observations suggest that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has not exploded or broken into pieces, contrary to some claims, and most scientists agree it is a natural object from beyond our solar system, despite speculation about its origins.
New images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS reveal complex jet structures, sparking speculation about possible artificial origins, while a second interstellar object, C/2025 V1, is unlikely connected. The comet is set to reappear in the pre-dawn sky on November 11, 2025, but remains hidden behind the Sun from Earth.
Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar visitor to our solar system, has not actually changed color; it only appeared to do so once when its gas coma became bright earlier this year. Despite media reports suggesting multiple color changes, scientists clarify that the comet's appearance has remained consistent, with its blue-green coma visible since early September. The comet continues to be a fascinating object for observation and study as it passes through our cosmic neighborhood, with closest approach to Earth on December 19.
Observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS suggest it has lost over 13% of its mass during its close approach to the Sun, experienced course changes, and exhibited unusual behaviors, providing valuable insights into interstellar objects and cometary physics.