NASA showed the interstellar comet ATLAS before its close approach to Earth.
According to ТСН: NASA and ESA presented new photographs of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which is approaching Earth. These images demonstrate the comet's activity after its flyby past the Sun and its approach to Mars.
About Comet 3I/ATLAS
Comet 3I/ATLAS was discovered in late June 2025, and in July it became the third known comet of interstellar origin. In recent months, it has been passing through the inner part of the Solar System at a speed of about 210,000 km/h.
In October, the comet reached its closest point to the Sun and Mars, releasing large amounts of gas and dust, which increased its brightness. The closest approach of the comet to Earth will occur on December 19 at a distance of approximately 270 million km — nearly twice the distance to the Sun.
New Observations
The Hubble and Juice space telescopes have conducted new observations of the comet.
The Hubble image obtained on November 30 clearly shows the comet's nucleus and the gas-dust envelope forming its tail.Against the background of stars, streaks can be seen arising from the comet's motion during the observation.
As noted by NASA, the comet brightens as it approaches the Sun since the ice sublimates, forming a gas tail.
The hottest side of the comet facing the Sun ejects jets of gas and dust, which can be seen in the new image.
At the beginning of July, the first Hubble image showed only a small blurry spot. At that time, scientists estimated the size of the comet to be between 440 m and 5.6 km wide, making it likely the largest interstellar object observed to date.
New data from fresh images, including information about composition, have not yet been published, but their presentation is expected soon.
It is reminded that earlier it was reported that comet 3I/ATLAS began ejecting icy and dusty jets as it approached the Sun. New studies indicate that its composition is very similar to trans-Neptunian objects in our planetary system.
This news about comet 3I/ATLAS attracts the attention of scientists and astronomy enthusiasts, as studying such a comet can help better understand the origin and evolution of celestial bodies in our Solar System. Observations continue, and over time more information about this fascinating interstellar comet will emerge.
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