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Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS to Safely Pass Earth, Offering Unique Observation Opportunity

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS to Safely Pass Earth, Offering Unique Observation Opportunity

Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object, is set to pass by Earth safely on December 19, 2025. This comet, only the third of its kind observed in our solar system, will remain at a safe distance of approximately 170 million miles from Earth. Discovered on July 1, 2025, 3I/ATLAS has been closely monitored by astronomers using various telescopes, including NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The comet's passage offers a rare chance for scientists to study its characteristics and behavior before it continues its journey out of the solar system.

NASA and ESA Capture Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Ahead of December Flyby

NASA and ESA Capture Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Ahead of December Flyby

NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have released new images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, showcasing its active state as it approaches a close flyby of Earth in December. The comet, first observed in July, is notable for originating from outside our solar system, making it only the third such object ever detected. The Hubble Space Telescope captured images of the comet from 178 million miles away, revealing a bright appearance due to its surrounding gas and dust. ESA's Juice spacecraft also observed the comet, noting its activity as it passed close to the sun.

Comet 3I/ATLAS Approaches Earth: A Rare Interstellar Visitor with No Threat

Comet 3I/ATLAS Approaches Earth: A Rare Interstellar Visitor with No Threat

Comet 3I/ATLAS, designated C/2025 N1 (ATLAS), is the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through our solar system. Recently, it has been observed with a faint green glow, attributed to diatomic carbon in its coma. This comet, discovered by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope, is on a hyperbolic trajectory, indicating it will not be captured by the Sun's gravity and will return to interstellar space. On December 19, 2025, it will make its closest approach to Earth, at a safe distance of about 1.8 astronomical units, or 270 million kilometers. The comet's interaction with the solar wind is being studied through X-ray observations by missions such as Japan's XRISM and ESA's XMM-Newton, providing insights into its composition and behavior.

Comet 3I/ATLAS Exhibits New Green Glow and X-Ray Emissions as It Approaches Earth

Comet 3I/ATLAS Exhibits New Green Glow and X-Ray Emissions as It Approaches Earth

Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar visitor, is drawing attention with its new green glow and X-ray emissions as it nears its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025. This comet, only the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through our solar system, was first detected in July 2025. Recent observations from the Gemini North telescope and ESA's XMM-Newton have revealed a brightening and greenish hue, attributed to gases released by solar heating. Additionally, X-ray emissions have been detected, suggesting interactions between the comet's gases and the solar wind. These findings provide a unique opportunity to study the composition and behavior of an interstellar comet.

Curiosity Rover's Breakthrough in Mars Organic Material Detection Enhances Astrobiology Prospects

Curiosity Rover's Breakthrough in Mars Organic Material Detection Enhances Astrobiology Prospects

NASA's Curiosity Rover has achieved a significant milestone in its exploration of Mars by successfully analyzing organic compounds from the Nevado Sajama drill site. The rover's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument utilized a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer to detect carbon-containing materials, which are crucial for understanding Mars' potential to support life. This analysis marks a pivotal step in determining whether Mars' past environment could have been hospitable to life. The Curiosity team also completed a high-resolution 360-degree stereo mosaic of the drill site, using both wide-angle and telephoto Mastcam cameras, providing a comprehensive view of the Martian landscape. Additionally, the rover conducted nighttime imaging of the drill hole using its Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) with built-in LED lights, offering detailed insights into the drill hole's structure.

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Captivates Astronomers with X-Ray Glow and Life-Building Molecules

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Captivates Astronomers with X-Ray Glow and Life-Building Molecules

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has become a focal point for astronomers as it traverses the Solar System. Detected on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS survey telescope in Chile, this comet is only the third known interstellar object to pass through our Solar System. It has been observed emitting X-rays, a first for an interstellar comet, thanks to the XRISM mission's observations. The comet's chemical composition, rich in methanol and hydrogen cyanide, suggests the presence of life-building molecules. These findings have sparked interest in the scientific community, as they provide insights into the chemistry of other star systems. The comet will make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025, at a distance of about 1.8 AU, posing no threat to the planet.

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS to Safely Pass Earth, Offering Unique Study Opportunity

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS to Safely Pass Earth, Offering Unique Study Opportunity

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is set to pass by Earth on December 19, maintaining a safe distance of about 170 million miles. This event provides astronomers with a rare chance to study a comet from outside our solar system. Discovered in July, 3I/ATLAS is only the third known interstellar object to visit our solar system. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and ESA's JUICE spacecraft have captured images of the comet, revealing its active state as it approaches the sun. The comet's icy core is surrounded by a cloud of dust, and its activity has increased due to solar heating.

NASA and ESA Capture Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS in New Images Ahead of December Flyby

NASA and ESA Capture Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS in New Images Ahead of December Flyby

NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have released new images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, showcasing its glowing activity as it approaches Earth. The comet, which originated from outside our solar system, is set to pass by Earth on December 19 at a safe distance of approximately 170 million miles. This event marks a rare opportunity for scientists to study a comet from another star system. The Hubble Space Telescope captured images of the comet on November 30, revealing its small solid core surrounded by a larger, brighter cloud of gas and dust. ESA's Juice spacecraft also observed the comet's activity, noting the effects of the sun's heat on its gaseous and dusty tails.

NASA's MAVEN Loses Contact After Capturing Interstellar Comet Images

NASA's MAVEN Loses Contact After Capturing Interstellar Comet Images

NASA's MAVEN spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars since 2014, lost contact with ground controllers on December 6, shortly after capturing detailed observations of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. The loss of signal occurred after MAVEN emerged from behind Mars, and NASA's Deep Space Network was unable to detect a signal. Prior to the signal loss, all onboard systems were reported to be functioning normally. MAVEN has been instrumental in studying Mars' atmosphere and serving as a communications relay for Martian rovers. The spacecraft recently played a key role in observing comet 3I/ATLAS, capturing ultraviolet images that provided insights into the comet's chemical composition. NASA is currently investigating the cause of the signal loss, which remains unknown.

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Captured in X-ray and Green Glow Imagery

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Captured in X-ray and Green Glow Imagery

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has been observed in X-ray light by ESA's XMM-Newton and in visible light by the Gemini North telescope, revealing a green glow. The X-ray observations, conducted on December 3, 2025, show the comet emitting low-energy X-rays due to interactions between its gas emissions and the solar wind. The green glow, captured in late November, is attributed to diatomic carbon emissions. These observations are part of a broader effort to study the comet as it approaches its closest point to Earth on December 19, 2025.

NASA's James Webb Telescope Reveals Potential Atmosphere on Exoplanet TOI-561b

NASA's James Webb Telescope Reveals Potential Atmosphere on Exoplanet TOI-561b

NASA researchers have discovered new evidence suggesting that the exoplanet TOI-561b, a super-Earth located outside our solar system, may have an atmosphere. This exoplanet, discovered in 2020, is characterized by its ultra-hot temperatures and low density. It orbits its host star, which is similar to the sun, at a much closer distance than Mercury is to the sun. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists measured the exoplanet's dayside temperature, finding it significantly cooler than expected, which suggests the presence of an atmosphere. The findings indicate that TOI-561b might have a global magma ocean and a thick layer of gas, challenging previous assumptions about its composition.

Gemini North Telescope Captures Comet 3I/ATLAS Brightening and Changing Color as It Nears Earth

Gemini North Telescope Captures Comet 3I/ATLAS Brightening and Changing Color as It Nears Earth

The Gemini North telescope, located atop Hawaii's dormant Mauna Kea volcano, has captured new images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, revealing that it has become brighter and greener since its close approach to the sun in late October. The images, taken on November 26, show the comet in one of its most active phases, with ice sublimating and releasing dust into space, forming a bright coma and a long tail. The comet's greenish hue is attributed to diatomic carbon, a molecule that emits green light when activated by solar radiation. This phenomenon is common among solar system comets, but 3I/ATLAS was initially observed to be redder, indicating the release of new molecules as it heats up.