NASA spots a new comet flying in from a distant star system

Published on July 3, 2025

Title: A Celestial Visitor from Afar - The Arrival of Comet 3I/ATLAS

In an exciting turn of events, astronomers have recently discovered a new comet that has originated from interstellar space and is currently passing through our solar system. Named 3I/ATLAS by NASA, this celestial visitor marks the third such discovery in history, following 'Oumuamua and Comet Borisov. The first two captivated scientists' attention due to their potential for providing insights into other star systems beyond ours.

The trajectory of 3I/ATLAS suggests that it has traveled a significant distance before entering our solar system. University of Oxford astrophysicist Chris Lintott notes, "This is like our chance to randomly sample what's going on in the rest of the galaxy." The discovery of these interstellar objects has sparked renewed interest among researchers who were previously not giving much thought to such phenomena until 2017 when 'Oumuamua was first detected.

Currently, Comet 3I/ATLAS is approximately 420 million miles (670 million kilometers) away from Earth and astronomers worldwide are eagerly using telescopes to study its size and physical properties. Despite moving at a rapid pace, there's no cause for concern as the comet poses no threat to our planet. It will remain visible until September before passing too close to the sun, making observations impossible during that time. However, come December, it is expected to re-emerge, allowing scientists another opportunity to study this fascinating interstellar object.

The arrival of Comet 3I/ATLAS signifies a significant moment in astronomy as we continue to expand our understanding of the universe beyond our own solar system. As more discoveries like these are made, we gain valuable insights into what lies beyond and deepen our appreciation for the vastness of space. It's an exciting time for stargazers everywhere!

Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/07/03/nx-s1-5455812/nasa-interstellar-object) #nasa

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