In the vast expanse of space, a rare visitor has been making its way through the solar system, captivating the attention of astronomers and scientists alike. The interstellar comet, 3I → ATLAS, was discovered on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Warning System (ATLAS), and it has been the subject of intense study ever since.
As it made its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025, passing at a distance of 1. 79 astronomical units, or approximately 270 million kilometers, NASA's Europa Clipper and Parker Solar Probe spacecraft were poised to gather crucial information about this enigmatic object. The Europa Clipper, part of a suite of NASA missions, joined forces with the Parker Solar Probe to observe 3I → ATLAS from various vantage points in space.
Preliminary findings, as reported by NASA, reveal no unusual anomalies outside the normal range for a comet; however, further analysis is still underway. This comet, expected to pass near Jupiter in early 2026, offers scientists a unique opportunity to study its motion and composition. By comparing material from beyond the solar system with comets formed closer to the Sun, researchers can gain valuable insights into the formation and evolution of ← →
Europa Clipper is part of a set of NASA missions that recently observed 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar comet passing through the solar system.You might also find this interesting: See here
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