Mysterious Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Visible Until October

A newly discovered interstellar object, known as Comet 3I/ATLAS, will remain visible to ground-based telescopes for a few more nights before it approaches the sun, according to NASA. This comet, which is the third interstellar visitor ever detected, is expected to reach its closest point to the sun on October 30, situated just inside the orbit of Mars. After this date, it will become difficult to observe until it re-emerges in early December.

The comet was initially discovered on July 1 by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile. This groundbreaking find indicates that the comet originated from interstellar space, specifically from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius. Since its discovery, scientists have collected “pre-discovery” observations that date back to June 14, providing further insights into its trajectory.

At an astonishing speed of approximately 152,000 mph, Comet 3I/ATLAS follows a unique, flat trajectory that distinguishes it from other objects within our solar system. NASA has clarified that the comet poses no threat to Earth, as it will maintain a distance of at least 150 million miles from our planet.

The discovery of Comet 3I/ATLAS adds to the growing list of interstellar visitors, following the sightings of 2I/Borisov in 2019 and ‘Oumuamua in 2017. The latter sparked significant interest and speculation, as some suggested it could be an alien probe due to its unusual shape and behavior.

As Comet 3I/ATLAS continues its journey through our solar system, astronomers and space enthusiasts alike are encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity to observe an object from beyond our solar neighborhood. With its impending passage near the sun, this comet offers a unique glimpse into the mysteries of interstellar space.