Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Approaches Earth
Scientists suggest that 3I/ATLAS, one of the rarest comets ever seen, is likely not alone and that more interstellar objects may soon be on the way.
Astronomers have detected 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar object in our planetary neighborhood, and expect to reveal more such visits as common occurrences thanks to advanced detection methods.
As 3I/ATLAS journeys past Mars and makes its closest approach to Earth, it will be obscured from view as it travels behind the Sun.
Such discoveries are likely, even though 3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar object astronomers have detected in our planetary neighborhood.
- 3I/ATLAS is one of the rarest comets ever seen
- It is the third confirmed interstellar object in our planetary neighborhood
- Advanced detection methods are expected to reveal more interstellar visits
Author's summary: Comet 3I/ATLAS approaches Earth, possibly with others to follow.