Astronomers Track Unusual Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS as It Approaches Mars

Greenbelt, Maryland — NASA is actively tracking interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which was discovered on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS telescope in Chile. This remarkable comet, traveling at speeds reaching 130,000 mph, is on a hyperbolic orbit that will carry it out of our solar system.

The comet’s trajectory has attracted significant attention from professional astronomers, as it doesn’t follow a traditional elliptical orbit around the Sun. As it approaches Mars, multiple space missions including Mars Express and the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter will capture images and data of 3I/ATLAS when it passes within 30 million kilometers of the planet on October 3.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has also provided valuable insights, detecting carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions that defy expected emissions for a comet at such low temperatures. As scientists continue to analyze its composition, speculation surrounding its origin has widened, leading to some unusual theories regarding its nature.

“The ongoing observations and studies of 3I/ATLAS give us a rare opportunity to understand interstellar materials and their implications for our solar system,” said a NASA spokesperson. They emphasize that studying the comet could offer insights into planetary systems beyond our own.

On October 30, the comet will reach its closest approach to the sun, leading to a potential activation phase where its icy nucleus will vaporize, producing outgassing phenomena observed from various spacecraft. The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer will observe 3I/ATLAS shortly after its perihelion, maximizing the amount of data collected at its most active state.

Although early observations were promising, scientists note that much remains to be discovered about the unusual characteristics of 3I/ATLAS. They remain cautious but optimistic about revealing more about this unique celestial visitor.