Get Ready! Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS to Make Spectacular Flyby of Mars Next Month—Discover How Europe’s Orbiters Are Prepared!

The European Space Agency (ESA) is gearing up for an exciting chance to observe the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. This comet was discovered on July 1, 2025, and it offers a rare glimpse into the cosmos. The name 3I means “third interstellar,” and it’s officially labeled C/2025 N1 (ATLAS).

Interestingly, Mars might become our best spot for viewing this comet. 3I/ATLAS will pass within about 18.6 million miles (30 million kilometers) of Mars but 168 million miles (270 million km) from Earth. This unique positioning allows Mars orbiters to take a closer look.

Colin Frank Wilson, a Project Scientist for ESA’s Mars missions, confirmed the plan to observe 3I/ATLAS. The closest approach is set for October 3, 2025. On this day, the comet will still be approximately 30 million kilometers away from Mars.

ESA is using two spacecraft for this mission: Mars Express and the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO). These advanced tools will help capture images of the comet. “We’ll try to get detailed images using the High Resolution Stereo Camera on Mars Express and the Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System on TGO,” Wilson explained.

While the comet will be distant, there’s potential for researchers to discern its shape. Previous interstellar objects had different forms; for instance, 1I/’Oumuamua was long and asteroid-like, while 2I/Borisov looked more like a traditional comet. The imaging tools may also reveal crucial details about 3I/ATLAS’ composition and activity.

Additionally, there are other spacecraft that could contribute to these observations. NASA’s MAVEN and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) are already around Mars, and even China’s Tianwen-1 mission can provide insights with its high-resolution camera.

ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), launched in 2023, is also planning to observe 3I/ATLAS when it reaches the Jovian system in 2031. Joern Helbert, ESA’s Solar System Section head, mentioned that JUICE would use four different instruments during its observations, although thermal constraints may limit them to a specific time in November this year.

In a recent study, researchers noted that several spacecraft, including Europa Clipper and the Lucy probe, might also cross through 3I/ATLAS’ cometary tail after it approaches the sun.

Moreover, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) recently focused on 3I/ATLAS, providing new and unexpected data. The excitement surrounding this comet is growing, as it may provide more clues about the universe and its origins.

To stay updated on space discoveries, you can follow the latest developments from reputable sources like NASA and ESA. The exploration of 3I/ATLAS could open up a new chapter in our understanding of interstellar phenomena.

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