The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is making its final journey out of our solar system. After this, it won’t return. Yet, the data gathered about it will remain accessible in NASA’s archives. This comet is only the third known object from beyond our solar system to visit us.
3I/ATLAS was first spotted on July 1, 2025, by NASA’s ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope in Chile. Interestingly, it had been seen earlier by NASA’s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) in May 2025, which helped astronomers track its flight through our solar system. Data from this mission is freely available in the Barbara A. Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST).
Kevin Murphy, a chief science data officer at NASA, noted, “NASA’s scientific data archives are a gold mine of discoveries waiting to be made.” The TESS observations are just one example of how open data can lead to exciting findings.
Most comets have similar structures and chemical makeup because they form in our solar system. However, 3I/ATLAS likely has different traits since it originated elsewhere. It’s rare for comets to be examined by so many spacecraft, allowing for deeper analysis. Researchers found that 3I/ATLAS produced different ratios of water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide compared to typical comets. They combined data from the MAVEN Mars probe with observations from the James Webb Space Telescope and SPHEREx mission to uncover these insights.
Nasa’s commitment to open science helps researchers use data efficiently. The Planetary Data System ensures that data from various missions is stored in a consistent format, making it easier to work with.
Thomas Statler, a lead scientist at NASA, emphasized that open science makes data more accessible and usable. “It’s part of how we establish standards for our archives,” he said, highlighting the significance of keeping data open for future research.
The data from SPHEREx and other missions can be accessed through various NASA archives. Thanks to this extensive data collection, scientists will continue to uncover details about 3I/ATLAS for years to come.
Humanity’s ability to spot interstellar objects is still relatively new. The first, ‘Oumuamua, was discovered in 2017. Estimates suggest an interstellar object might pass through our solar system about once a year. As new telescopes develop, we can expect more discoveries.
As our understanding of interstellar objects grows, scientists will be able to compare them better. The insights gained from 3I/ATLAS will help set a foundation for future studies of other similar objects.
Statler pointed out the importance of preserving this data: “In thirty-five years, when we have even more data on interstellar comets, researchers will ask new questions. By keeping this data accessible, we help future scientists explore these inquiries.”
NASA’s Office of the Chief Science Data Officer is at the forefront of these open science initiatives. Sharing scientific data broadens the impact of NASA’s missions. For more insights on NASA’s open science efforts, visit: science.nasa.gov/open-science.
By Lauren Leese
Web Content Strategist for the Office of the Chief Science Data Officer
Source link
3I/ATLAS, Comets, James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN), Open Science, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe and Ices Explorer)
