Stunning Green Glow of Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS Captured During Lunar Eclipse: Your Space Photo of the Day (Sept. 15, 2025)

On September 7, 2025, the moon turned a deep red during a total lunar eclipse, captivating skywatchers worldwide. In Namibia, amateur astronomers Michael Jäger and Gerald Rhemann took advantage of the eclipse’s darkness to capture images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.

The eclipse made the moon dimmer, allowing them to take deep images of the comet, which surprisingly revealed a green glow.

3I/ATLAS is special; it’s just the third confirmed interstellar comet to pass through our solar system. Its origin remains a mystery, likely hailing from another star system because its path is hyperbolic—it’s not influenced by the Sun’s gravity. This places it alongside other famous interstellar objects, like ‘Oumuamua and comet 2I/Borisov.

This green glow is an intriguing feature. Initially, astronomers suggested that diatomic carbon (C₂) could be responsible, as it fluoresces green under sunlight. However, a recent study from Kitt Peak Observatory indicated that 3I/ATLAS may lack carbon-chain molecules altogether, raising questions about its sudden green hue.

One theory is that when exposed to sunlight, layers of ice on the comet melted, releasing previously trapped diatomic carbon. Another possibility is that the comet has unique chemistry not found in our solar system, causing a glow from different molecules.

The excitement around 3I/ATLAS isn’t just scientific. On social media, astronomy enthusiasts shared stunning images and personal experiences of viewing the eclipse and the comet. This interplay between social media and astronomy builds a community that thrives on shared wonders.

As this comet continues to travel through our solar system, astronomers are eager to unravel its mysteries. It’s a reminder of how much we still have to learn about the universe.

For further details, you can explore this article on 3I/ATLAS.

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