Recent Events of Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS
The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, a comet, has been the subject of significant astronomical interest due to its trajectory and approach to the Sun. Confirmed by NASA in early July 2025, pre-discovery observations from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) in June 2025 helped establish its interstellar origin.
The comet is currently on a path towards its closest approach to the Sun, known as perihelion, which is anticipated around October 30, 2025. At this point, it will be approximately 1.4 astronomical units (AU), or 130 million miles (210 million kilometers), from the Sun, placing it just within Mars’ orbit. This close encounter with the Sun is expected to significantly increase its activity.
Recent observations have been conducted by multiple space and ground-based instruments. Between October 1 and 7, 2025, ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and Mars Express spacecraft observed 3I/ATLAS as it passed near Mars. Additionally, the Gemini South telescope in Chile has captured images of the comet’s growing tail, which is a sign of increasing activity as it nears the Sun. Missions to Mars and Jupiter are also contributing to its observation.
From Earth’s perspective, 3I/ATLAS was recently behind the Sun, making it invisible. However, it is projected to re-emerge into the morning sky in November 2025. Despite a recent blast from a solar storm, the comet appears to have remained stable. Dedicated platforms such as i3atlas.com and 3iatlaslive.com provide ongoing updates, educational content, and tools for tracking this unique celestial visitor.
Fuentes:
- https://i3atlas.com/,
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3I/ATLAS,
- https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/ESA_s_ExoMars_and_Mars_Express_observe_comet_3I_ATLAS,
- https://earthsky.org/space/new-interstellar-object-candidate-heading-toward-the-sun-a11pl3z/,
- https://www.livescience.com/space/comets/interstellar-object-3i-atlas-is-about-to-get-very-active-space-photo-of-the-week,
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/10/02/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet/86433601007/,
- https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/comets/3i-atlas/comet-3i-atlas-multimedia/,
- https://www.3iatlaslive.com/,
- https://starwalk.space/en/news/3i-atlas-interstellar-object,
- https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/comets/3i-atlas/