Comet 3I/ATLAS: NASA’ Latest Tracking and Origin Explained!

What is Comet 3I/ATLAS? Comet 3I/ATLAS is a rare interstellar visitor discovered on July 1, 2025. It was tracked by NASA’s ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope in Chile. This comet travels at an astonishing speed of about 130,000 mph on a hyperbolic trajectory, proving its origin from beyond our solar system. 

According to NASA, 3I/ATLAS will reach its closest point to the Sun inside the orbit of Mars on October 30, 2025, while maintaining a safe distance from Earth. It is the third such interstellar object ever detected, following ‘Oumuamua and Borisov. Read on to learn about NASA’s latest tracking of comet 3I/ATLAS, its interstellar origin, and why this rare visitor is captivating astronomers worldwide.

What is Comet 3I/ATLAS?

Comet 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet passing through our solar system, discovered on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).

• It travels at around 130,000 mph on a hyperbolic trajectory, indicating it originated outside our solar system.

• Its size estimates range from 0.2 to 3.5 miles for the nucleus with an expanding dust plume and tail visible as it nears the Sun.

• This is only the third confirmed interstellar object observed, making it extremely rare.

How is NASA tracking Comet 3I ATLAS?

NASA uses advanced observatories including the Hubble Space Telescope to track Comet 3I/ATLAS in detail.

• Hubble’s sharp images reveal the comet’s dusty tail, nucleus, and gaseous emissions providing data on composition and trajectory.

• Complementary observations come from the James Webb Space Telescope and the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.

• These combined efforts help scientists predict its path and study the comet’s unusual chemical makeup.

Where did Comet ATLAS come from?

The comet originated beyond our solar system, likely ejected by gravitational forces from another stellar system billions of years ago. Its hyperbolic path confirms it is not gravitationally bound to the Sun but is a transient visitor passing through. Astronomer David Jewitt compares tracking it to spotting a “rifle bullet” for a fraction of a second, emphasizing its fleeting nature.

Will Comet 3I/ATLAS Be Visible in the USA?

The comet is observable with good telescopes and binoculars, mainly from the Southern Hemisphere currently, moving northwards during October 2025. It will not be visible to the naked eye but can be tracked with proper equipment for astronomy enthusiasts and professionals. NASA and astronomy centers provide updates and viewing tips as the comet approaches perihelion (closest point to the Sun) on October 30, 2025.

How Rare is the ATLAS Comet?

NASA tracks it with telescopes like Hubble, studying its unique features. This comet offers insights into distant planetary systems without threatening Earth. These factors make 3I/ATLAS a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event.

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Conclusion

The journey of comet 3I/ATLAS through our solar system marks a unique opportunity for astronomers and space scientists to study an object from beyond our solar neighborhood. With NASA’s precise tracking using advanced telescopes like Hubble and James Webb, researchers gain insights into the comet’s composition, trajectory, and behavior. While it poses no threat to Earth, 3I/ATLAS deepens humanity’s understanding of interstellar objects and planetary system formation. Its fleeting visit underscores the advancement in space observation technology and the vast mysteries still awaiting discovery in our galaxy.