Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Makes Close Flyby of Earth as Scientists Capture New Images

A rare interstellar comet passing through our solar system is making its closest approach to Earth this week, giving scientists a valuable opportunity to study an object from beyond our cosmic neighborhood.

Known as 3I/ATLAS, the comet was first spotted in July and is now beginning its exit from the solar system. Before departing, it will pass by Earth on Friday, coming within about 167 million miles. The comet will remain on the opposite side of the sun during its closest approach, meaning it will not pose any threat to the planet.

Astronomers say 3I/ATLAS will not be visible to the naked eye, and the best viewing window has already passed. Those hoping to spot it will need a telescope with at least an 8-inch aperture. The Virtual Telescope Project plans to livestream the comet late Friday night, allowing viewers a chance to see the object remotely.

NASA says the comet is expected to remain visible to telescopes and space missions for several more months before it fully exits the solar system.

Scientists around the world have been closely tracking 3I/ATLAS to better understand its origins and composition. Multiple observatories have observed the comet across optical, infrared, radio, and X-ray wavelengths, revealing new details not seen in previous interstellar visitors.

For the first time, astronomers detected X-rays coming from an interstellar comet. Japan’s X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission observed X-rays extending hundreds of thousands of miles from the comet’s nucleus, possibly caused by interactions between gases released by the comet and the solar wind. The European Space Agency’s XMM-Newton observatory also captured striking X-ray images of the object.

Researchers say these observations could help determine how similar or different interstellar comets are compared to those formed within our own solar system, offering rare insight into material formed around other stars.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.