Comet 3I-Atlas, which was discovered earlier this year, is set to reach its closest point to the Sun on October 30, according to NASA. This comet was first identified by the ATLAS telescope on July 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in astronomy as it is only the third known object to originate from another stellar system.
“Astronomers have classified this object as interstellar due to the hyperbolic nature of its orbital trajectory,” NASA explained. “Its orbit does not follow a closed path around the Sun. When we trace the orbit of 3I/ATLAS back in time, it becomes evident that the comet comes from outside our solar system.”
Although its size remains unspecified, experts have determined that the comet is active and possesses a frozen core and coma. This classification differentiates it as a comet rather than an asteroid. Its passage through the solar system and proximity to the Sun does not pose a threat to Earth. Calculations indicate that the comet will come within approximately 1.8 astronomical units, or around 270 million kilometers (170 million miles), from our planet.
From October 30 until December of this year, it will be located in the orbit of Mars and close to the Sun. As for its distance from the Sun, it will reach about 1.4 astronomical units (210 million kilometers or 130 million miles), just inside Mars” orbit. It is anticipated that the comet will become invisible to ground-based telescopes as it approaches the Sun, but it will emerge on the other side in December, allowing for further observation.
While the origin of 3I/ATLAS remains a mystery, scientists are confident that it formed in another star system. They believe it has traveled for millions or even billions of years before entering our solar system. According to NASA, it has been approaching from the general direction of the Sagittarius constellation, where the Milky Way is located. Furthermore, it appears to be moving too quickly to be bound by the Sun”s gravity, indicating that it is on a hyperbolic trajectory.
“Its orbit does not follow a closed path around the Sun. It is simply passing through our solar system and will continue its journey into interstellar space, never to be seen again,” NASA concluded.
