Two spacecraft recently shared amazing new images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, surprising scientists with high-quality snapshots captured by a camera designed for navigation, not scientific studies.
Discovered on July 1 by the ATLAS telescope in Chile, 3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar visitor to our solar system, following ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and Borisov in 2019. These comets offer a glimpse into the universe beyond our solar system.
In November, the European Space Agency’s JUICE spacecraft and the Hubble Space Telescope observed 3I/ATLAS as it sped through the solar system. Their findings can help us understand the chemistry and conditions of celestial bodies born around other stars.
On November 2, JUICE aimed five scientific instruments at the comet while passing roughly 41 million miles away. Although detailed data won’t arrive until February 2026, scientists were eager for an early peek. They used a smaller antenna to send a low-resolution image back to Earth. This image revealed the comet’s bright nucleus and a glowing shell of gas and dust, alongside a faint plasma tail created by sunlight interacting with gases released from the comet. The plasma tail is a fascinating phenomenon that helps scientists understand how sunlight influences comets.
Recent studies indicate that the dust around 3I/ATLAS has unique properties. NASA noted that its grain sizes seem different from those of comets found in our solar system, hinting that its formation might relate to conditions not commonly seen here.
Following JUICE’s observations, Hubble captured more images on November 30, showing the comet racing through the night sky. The latest findings revealed a central core wrapped in a glow of dust, confirming ongoing activity.
A new collaborative effort led by NASA has revealed some unusual chemistry in the comet’s dust. Observations suggest a higher carbon dioxide-to-water ratio and gas rich in nickel, which may indicate that 3I/ATLAS formed in an environment very different from ours. This insight offers an exciting look into the conditions that existed when 3I/ATLAS was born, possibly in a planetary system predating our own. Tom Statler, a NASA scientist, expressed how thrilling it is to think about the ancient origins of this comet.
Importantly, 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth. It will maintain a safe distance of at least 170 million miles from our planet, well outside our orbital path. Nicky Fox from NASA reassured the public, emphasizing that the comet will pass safely beyond Jupiter in 2026.
These insights not only excite astronomers but also spark curiosity worldwide. As interest in space exploration continues to grow, social media trends show many people are eager to learn more about our cosmic neighbors. Following 3I/ATLAS’s journey sparks discussions and wonder about what else lies beyond our solar system.
For more information on comets and their fascinating behavior, you can check [NASA’s JPL](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov) or [ESA’s Space news](https://www.esa.int).
