Web desk: Scientists around the world are watching a rare visitor from outside our solar system, Comet 3I/ATLAS.
It is the third confirmed interstellar object ever seen. The comet has now reached its closest point to the Sun, called perihelion, and is expected to be most active today.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reported, “3I/ATLAS will reach its closest point to the Sun around Oct. 30, 2025, at a distance of about 1.4 au (130 million miles, or 210 million kilometres) — just inside the orbit of Mars.”
Where is the Comet 3I/ATLAS right now?
Right now, the comet is behind the Sun and cannot be seen from Earth. But several spacecraft, including NASA’s Psyche and Lucy missions, are tracking it closely.
When a comet reaches perihelion, the Sun’s heat causes it to release gas and dust. This helps scientists learn more about what it is made of.
A perihelion happens when a comet or planet comes closest to the Sun in its orbit.
What is Comet 3I/ATLAS?
Comet 3I/ATLAS is the third known object from outside our solar system to pass through our part of space. Astronomers call it an interstellar comet because its orbit is hyperbolic.
This means it does not circle the Sun like normal comets. When scientists track its path backwards, they can see that it came from beyond our solar system.
Early observations show that 3I/ATLAS has more carbon dioxide and nickel than most comets in our solar system.
This could give clues about the cloud of gas and dust where it formed over seven billion years ago.
Astronomers are working hard to collect data during this active stage. The comet is faint, around magnitude 12, but skilled astrophotographers and smart telescopes can still observe it.
The Hubble and James Webb space telescopes will study its chemical makeup in detail.
Some people online have claimed the comet might be artificial or linked to aliens. However, scientists say there is no proof of that.
Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb suggested the idea, but NASA experts say clearly, “It is a comet, not a threat.” Still, its strange chemical makeup continues to interest researchers.
When can we see the Comet 3I/ATLAS from Earth?
People on Earth might see the comet once it comes out from behind the Sun, likely at the end of November. Observers in dark areas, such as Washington State, may spot it with telescopes that have at least an 8-inch lens.
Comet 3I/ATLAS gives scientists a rare chance to study material from another star system. Its brief visit could help unlock new secrets about how comets and planets form across the galaxy.
Is the comet dangerous to Earth?
The comet is not dangerous and will stay far from Earth, reports NASA. Its closest distance to our planet will be about 1.8 astronomical units, or around 170 million miles (270 million kilometres).
It will come closest to the Sun on October 30, 2025, at a distance of about 1.4 astronomical units, or 130 million miles (210 million kilometres). That is just inside the orbit of Mars.
Is the Comet an “Alien Ship”? Speculations and Conspiracy Theories
Many people are speculating on social media that this comet is a spaceship carrying Aliens, and the glitter-like material around it is either ‘fuel’ or some other residue from the ship.
However, scientists disagree. These ideas usually come from strange space objects that are hard to explain.
Some speculate that the Comet will hit the Earth. However, NASA has said that this comet is not dangerous and will stay far from the planet.
These extraterrestrial phenomena do act in unusual ways, but all the evidence shows they are natural objects. Scientists are still studying them to understand how they work.
While we can not stop conspiracy theories and speculations on social media, it is also critical to know that responsible and mindful sharing of information is very important.
