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10h ago

Interstellar Visitor 3I/ATLAS Nears Perihelion as Europa Clipper Eyes Possible Ion-Tail Brush

Agencies describe the object as a natural, nonthreatening comet during its Sun-side blackout.

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This image provided by NASA/European Space Agency shows an image captured by Hubble of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on July 21, 2025, when the comet was 277 million miles from Earth. (NASA/European Space Agency via AP)
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Overview

  • The third confirmed interstellar object will reach perihelion around October 29 and is currently unobservable from Earth during solar conjunction.
  • Modeling by independent researchers points to a potential October 30–November 6 window for Europa Clipper to detect ions carried from 3I/ATLAS’s tail, conditions permitting.
  • NASA and ESA say the object poses no hazard to Earth, with the closest approach forecast at roughly 1.8 AU in December.
  • The International Asteroid Warning Network announced an observing and astrometry campaign for November 27, 2025 through January 27, 2026 to refine tracking techniques.
  • Unusual comet-like features reported this year include a sunward jet and atypical gas signatures, prompting public speculation led by Avi Loeb that many astronomers contest.