US EditionInterstellar Comet Makes Closest Approach to Earth
3I/ATLAS passed within 168 million miles of Earth, observed in multiple wavelengths including X-rays, revealing unusual composition and engaging public participation in real-time astronomy.
- The interstellar comet 3i/ATLAS is making its closest approach to Earth at 170 million miles away, moving at 130,000mph.
- While some speculate it could be an alien object due to its anomalous acceleration, astronomers consider it a typical comet whose changing color and brightness can be explained by natural phenomena.
- Regardless of its nature, 3i/ATLAS provides a valuable opportunity to study an object originating from another star system.
166 Articles
166 Articles
NASA just caught a rare glimpse of an interstellar comet
An instrument aboard NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft captured rare ultraviolet observations of an interstellar comet while Earth-based telescopes were blinded by the Sun. The spacecraft’s unique position provided an unprecedented look at the comet’s dust and plasma tails from an unusual angle. Scientists detected hydrogen, oxygen, and signs of intense gas release, hinting at powerful activity after the comet’s closest approach to the Sun. The f…
This Week in Science: 3I/ATLAS Passes Earth, a Runaway Black Hole, And More!
This week in science: the choice between tea or coffee could have greater consequences than you think; interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS makes its closest pass to Earth; astronomers track a runaway supermassive black hole; and much more! Choice of Tea or Coffee Could Influence Risk of Osteoporosis in Older Women [caption id="attachment_185626" align="alignnone" width="642"] (monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images)[/caption] A study on how drink choices aff…
3I/Atlas is only the third interstellar object discovered in the solar system.
Astronomers are keeping their eyes peeled for a mysterious space object that has made its closest approach to our planet. NASA scientists say it's an extremely old comet from a distant corner of the galaxy - much older than our solar system. But one Harvard University astrophysicist is convinced that it's possible that an alien spacecraft is flying past our planet.
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