Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has gained significant attention from astronomers and researchers around the world, as it is estimated to be between 5 to 8 billion years old, predating the formation of Earth. Discovered on July 1, 2025, by global space missions including NASA, this ancient celestial object is not an alien spacecraft, as some online rumors have suggested. This information was reiterated by U.S. Congressman George Whitesides, a member of the House Science Committee.
In an effort to study 3I/ATLAS, NASA has launched a comprehensive observation campaign across the solar system, deploying a fleet of twelve specialized assets, including both spacecraft and space telescopes. These instruments have facilitated the collection of detailed imagery as 3I/ATLAS moves through the inner Solar System. Observations from various platforms allow scientists to compare the characteristics of 3I/ATLAS with those of typical comets native to our Solar System.
One of the remarkable moments in this comet's journey occurred when it passed within approximately 19 million miles of Mars this fall. NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) captured some of the closest images of the comet, while the MAVEN orbiter collected ultraviolet data that will aid in analyzing its composition. Additionally, the Perseverance rover on the Martian surface recorded a faint image of this interstellar visitor.
NASA’s Psyche and Lucy spacecraft, both en route to investigate targets in the asteroid belt, also took the opportunity to observe 3I/ATLAS during its passage. The excitement surrounding this comet is multifaceted, as researchers aim to probe the clues it offers about the conditions present in extraterrestrial star systems billions of years ago.
However, Congressman Whitesides raised a crucial concern regarding the potential risks that interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS pose to Earth. He noted that, should a similar-sized comet be on a collision course with our planet, humanity might have as little as two months to implement a deflection strategy.
Currently, 3I/ATLAS is on a hyperbolic trajectory, underscoring its classification as an extrasolar entity, as it moves too swiftly to be captured by the Sun’s gravitational influence. Following in the footprints of previous interstellar visitors such as ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019, 3I/ATLAS represents a rare opportunity for scientists to enhance their understanding of ancient cosmic phenomena and the material that shapes planetary systems.
As this comet continues its passage through our Solar System, NASA and collaborating observatories remain focused on gathering extensive data that will broaden our comprehension of not just our immediate surroundings but the wider universe beyond.