Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS experienced a dramatic increase in activity after its closest approach to the Sun, with all types of ice sublimating and releasing organic molecules like water, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons. This suggests a unique formation history and composition.
The interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, only the third confirmed interstellar object ever detected, is being closely observed by spacecraft like Juice and Hubble as it approaches the Sun and Earth.
NASA confirms that 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet, dismissing speculation about alien origins. The agency shared images and data from multiple space missions to support this conclusion.
A hyperspectral camera has enabled the first precise measurement of blue auroral nitrogen ion (N₂⁺) emission altitudes during twilight, revealing a peak intensity at about 200 km—higher than previously known. This new method improves altitude estimation and supports models suggesting significant high-altitude N2+ presence.
Comet 3I/ATLAS reached perihelion on October 30, 2025. This article details the findings from observations of this interstellar comet, including its composition, activity, and orbital behavior, and how this data will inform future missions.
Scientists, including those at the SETI Institute, observed the comet and gathered data on its origin, composition, and trajectory.
Key findings include an unusual prevalence of carbon dioxide over water ice, a nickel-to-iron ratio differing from Solar System comets, and a brightening event near perihelion
Thpe data collected will be valuable for future missions like ESA’s Comet Interceptor, preparing scientists to study future interstellar visitors. The article highlights the role of citizen scientists through the Unistellar Network in contributing to these observations.
Scientists, including those at the SETI Institute, observed the comet and gathered data on its origin, composition, and trajectory.
Key findings include an unusual prevalence of carbon dioxide over water ice, a nickel-to-iron ratio differing from Solar System comets, and a brightening event near perihelion
Thpe data collected will be valuable for future missions like ESA’s Comet Interceptor, preparing scientists to study future interstellar visitors. The article highlights the role of citizen scientists through the Unistellar Network in contributing to these observations.
Months after arriving in orbit thanks to a Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, NASA’s newest space telescope has started collecting images of the universe. The craft known as SPHEREx — Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer — shared a ride with another NASA mission for the trek on March 11.
The first test images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory have captured light from millions of distant stars and galaxies, and are expected to reveal thousands of previously unseen asteroids. The observatory is expected to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
NASA's SPHEREx mission aims to study the origins of the universe, the history of galaxies, and the presence of water and pre-biotic molecules in planetary systems. It will conduct an all-sky spectral survey to gather data on over 100 million stars and galaxies, providing insights into large-scale cosmic structures and the history of galaxy formation.
