NASA is actively monitoring the interstellar comet known as 3I/Atlas, which was first identified on July 1, 2025, by the Atlas telescope located in Chile. In collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA has confirmed that this comet follows a hyperbolic trajectory, indicating its origin from beyond our Solar System.
The comet”s chemical composition has startled scientists, particularly its unusually high levels of carbon dioxide. This discovery provides valuable insights into the processes involved in the formation of star systems located far from our own.
3I/Atlas marks the third recorded interstellar object, following the earlier discoveries of ʻOumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Fortunately, it poses no threat to Earth, as it remains approximately 240 to 270 million kilometers away. As it approaches the Sun, its speed increases, reaching between 210,000 and 221,000 kilometers per hour. The perihelion, or closest approach to the Sun, occurred near Mars” orbit in late October 2025.
NASA is coordinating global research efforts, utilizing various probes, including Mars Express, to analyze the comet”s spectral data. The ESA”s Juice probe is also collecting pertinent information, with results anticipated in 2026. The tracking of 3I/Atlas is a joint endeavor between NASA and ESA, with NASA employing the James Webb Space Telescope for in-depth chemical analysis, while ESA relies on its Planetary Defense network.
Images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope reveal a teardrop-shaped dust cocoon surrounding the comet. The detection of carbon monoxide and carbonyl sulfide further emphasizes the unique characteristics of 3I/Atlas. The high ratio of carbon dioxide is particularly unusual for known comets, suggesting that it may have formed in an environment rich in CO2 or experienced extended exposure to radiation.
Additionally, the comet displays an atypical nickel-to-iron ratio, indicating the sublimation of metallic compounds. A noteworthy feature is the “anti-tail” that faces the Sun, created by larger particles—a phenomenon not commonly observed. Data from the probes indicate an active gas halo around the comet, with particle ejection influenced by solar heating.
These findings are crucial for comparing chemical processes in distant star systems. Originating from the Sagittarius constellation, the precise origin of 3I/Atlas remains uncertain, but it likely dates back billions of years, having been ejected into interstellar space through gravitational interactions. NASA has dismissed theories suggesting extraterrestrial technology, affirming that the comet behaves in accordance with typical cometary activity, as evidenced by its tail and gas emissions aligned with solar heating patterns.
Tracing the original star system of 3I/Atlas is complicated due to multiple cosmic encounters over the ages. The ESA”s upcoming Comet Interceptor mission will focus on studying future interstellar comets. Meanwhile, NASA plans to continue monitoring 3I/Atlas until 2026, with new images from the Juice probe expected in February of that year. This data will significantly enhance our understanding of cosmic visitors.
The unique chemical processes exhibited by 3I/Atlas suggest it may not conform to the typical characteristics of objects within the Milky Way. The information gathered from this comet is vital for refining theories on planetary formation, providing a rare opportunity to observe the birth of star systems and deepening our understanding of the universe.
