{"id":42,"date":"2025-12-20T21:04:26","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T21:04:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/?p=42"},"modified":"2025-12-20T21:25:22","modified_gmt":"2025-12-20T21:25:22","slug":"3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/","title":{"rendered":"3I\/ATLAS: Interstellar Comet Explained | Latest NASA Updates, Size, Earth Flyby &#038; Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"519\"><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/#What_exactly_is_3IATLAS\">What exactly is 3I\/ATLAS?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/#How_was_3IATLAS_discovered\">How was 3I\/ATLAS discovered?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/#What_does_NASA_say_about_3IATLAS\">What does NASA say about 3I\/ATLAS?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/#Will_we_see_the_3IATLAS_from_Earth\">Will we see the 3I\/ATLAS from Earth?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/#When_does_3IATLAS_make_its_closest_approach_to_Earth\">When does 3I\/ATLAS make its closest approach to Earth?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/#What_would_happen_if_3IATLAS_hit_Earth\">What would happen if 3I\/ATLAS hit Earth?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/#Is_3IATLAS_an_alien_object\">Is 3I\/ATLAS an alien object?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/#3IATLAS_size_and_composition\">3I\/ATLAS size and composition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/#Why_is_3IATLAS_important_for_science\">Why is 3I\/ATLAS important for science?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"519\"><strong data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"146\">3I\/ATLAS<\/strong> is a newly discovered <strong data-start=\"169\" data-end=\"191\">interstellar comet<\/strong> that has captured global attention after NASA-confirmed observations showed it passing safely through our Solar System. Detected by the <strong data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"385\">Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS)<\/strong>, this object is only the <strong data-start=\"411\" data-end=\"451\">third confirmed interstellar visitor<\/strong> ever identified\u2014making it a rare and scientifically valuable event.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"521\" data-end=\"695\">This article explains <strong data-start=\"543\" data-end=\"563\">what 3I\/ATLAS is<\/strong>, whether we can see it, <strong data-start=\"588\" data-end=\"606\">what NASA says<\/strong>, its size, closest approach to Earth, and addresses common questions and misconceptions.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"702\" data-end=\"730\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_exactly_is_3IATLAS\"><\/span>What exactly is 3I\/ATLAS?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"732\" data-end=\"961\"><strong data-start=\"732\" data-end=\"744\">3I\/ATLAS<\/strong> is an <strong data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"774\">interstellar object<\/strong>, specifically a <strong data-start=\"791\" data-end=\"800\">comet<\/strong>, that originated outside our Solar System. The designation \u201c3I\u201d means it is the <strong data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"910\">third interstellar object<\/strong> ever confirmed, after 1I\/\u2018Oumuamua and 2I\/Borisov.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_43\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43\" style=\"width: 820px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-43 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MRO-HiRISE-CLEAN-FINAL.webp\" alt=\"HiRISE image of interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS captured by NASA\u2019s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter from a distance of 0.2 astronomical units\" width=\"830\" height=\"686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MRO-HiRISE-CLEAN-FINAL.webp 830w, https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MRO-HiRISE-CLEAN-FINAL-300x248.webp 300w, https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MRO-HiRISE-CLEAN-FINAL-768x635.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-43\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS captured by the HiRISE camera aboard NASA\u2019s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on October 2, 2025, from a distance of about 0.2 astronomical units (\u224830 million km).<br \/>Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/view-interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-through-nasas-multiple-lenses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NASA\/JPL-Caltech\/University of Arizona<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"963\" data-end=\"1182\">Unlike typical comets bound to the Sun, 3I\/ATLAS follows a <strong data-start=\"1022\" data-end=\"1042\">hyperbolic orbit<\/strong>, proving it is not gravitationally tied to the Solar System. Observations show a <strong data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1149\">coma and gas activity<\/strong>, confirming its cometary nature.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1220\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_was_3IATLAS_discovered\"><\/span>How was <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/blogs\/parker-solar-probe\/2025\/12\/19\/nasas-parker-solar-probe-observes-interstellar-comet-3i-atlas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3I\/ATLAS<\/a> discovered?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1366\">The comet was first detected by the <strong data-start=\"1258\" data-end=\"1299\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, a NASA-funded sky survey designed to identify near-Earth objects.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1368\" data-end=\"1396\">Astronomers quickly noticed:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1529\">\n<li data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1432\">\n<p data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1432\">Extremely high inbound velocity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1433\" data-end=\"1488\">\n<p data-start=\"1435\" data-end=\"1488\">A trajectory inconsistent with Solar System objects<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1489\" data-end=\"1529\">\n<p data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1529\">Visible outgassing typical of comets<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1531\" data-end=\"1592\">Follow-up observations confirmed its <strong data-start=\"1568\" data-end=\"1591\">interstellar origin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1599\" data-end=\"1636\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_NASA_say_about_3IATLAS\"><\/span>What does NASA say about 3I\/ATLAS?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1823\">According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"1651\" data-end=\"1692\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">NASA<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/a>, <strong data-start=\"1694\" data-end=\"1731\">3I\/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth<\/strong>. Its orbit is precisely tracked and keeps it at a <strong data-start=\"1782\" data-end=\"1799\">safe distance<\/strong> throughout its passage.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"1874\">NASA scientists emphasize its importance because:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"2059\">\n<li data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1925\">\n<p data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"1925\">It carries material formed around another star<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1926\" data-end=\"1993\">\n<p data-start=\"1928\" data-end=\"1993\">It helps compare <strong data-start=\"1945\" data-end=\"1966\">extrasolar comets<\/strong> with Solar System comets<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1994\" data-end=\"2059\">\n<p data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2059\">It improves detection methods for future interstellar objects<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2061\" data-end=\"2130\">NASA and international observatories are continuing detailed studies.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2137\" data-end=\"2176\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_we_see_the_3IATLAS_from_Earth\"><\/span>Will we see the 3I\/ATLAS from Earth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2202\">For most people, <strong data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2201\">no<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2204\" data-end=\"2399\">\n<li data-start=\"2204\" data-end=\"2250\">\n<p data-start=\"2206\" data-end=\"2250\">3I\/ATLAS is <strong data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2250\">not visible to the naked eye<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2313\">\n<p data-start=\"2253\" data-end=\"2313\">Professional observatories and space telescopes can image it<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2314\" data-end=\"2399\">\n<p data-start=\"2316\" data-end=\"2399\">Advanced amateur astronomers with large telescopes may detect it under dark skies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_44\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-44\" style=\"width: 1190px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-44\" src=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/noirlab2525b-3i-atlas.webp\" alt=\"Interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS imaged by the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on Gemini South in Chile\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/noirlab2525b-3i-atlas.webp 1200w, https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/noirlab2525b-3i-atlas-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/noirlab2525b-3i-atlas-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/noirlab2525b-3i-atlas-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-44\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS captured by the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) on Gemini South at Cerro Pach\u00f3n, Chile.<br \/>Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/noirlab.edu\/public\/images\/noirlab2532a\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Gemini Observatory\/NOIRLab\/NSF\/AURA\/Shadow the Scientist. Image processing: J. Miller &amp; M. Rodriguez (International Gemini Observatory\/NSF NOIRLab), T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage\/NSF NOIRLab), M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab).<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"2401\" data-end=\"2495\">Images shared online are <strong data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2473\">long-exposure or processed telescope images<\/strong>, not naked-eye views.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2502\" data-end=\"2559\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_does_3IATLAS_make_its_closest_approach_to_Earth\"><\/span>When does 3I\/ATLAS make its closest approach to Earth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2561\" data-end=\"2794\">The comet makes its <strong data-start=\"2581\" data-end=\"2610\">closest approach to Earth<\/strong> at a distance far greater than the Moon\u2019s orbit. Headlines such as <em data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2745\">\u201cNewly-discovered 3I\/ATLAS comet makes closest approach to Earth\u201d<\/em> refer to its <strong data-start=\"2759\" data-end=\"2781\">observational peak<\/strong>, not danger.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2796\" data-end=\"2813\">During this time:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2814\" data-end=\"2948\">\n<li data-start=\"2814\" data-end=\"2845\">\n<p data-start=\"2816\" data-end=\"2845\">The comet appears brightest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2846\" data-end=\"2906\">\n<p data-start=\"2848\" data-end=\"2906\">Scientists conduct spectroscopy and composition analysis<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2907\" data-end=\"2948\">\n<p data-start=\"2909\" data-end=\"2948\">NASA releases updated images and data<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"2955\" data-end=\"2998\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_would_happen_if_3IATLAS_hit_Earth\"><\/span>What would happen if 3I\/ATLAS hit Earth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3000\" data-end=\"3077\">This is a frequent \u201cPeople Also Ask\u201d query\u2014but it is <strong data-start=\"3053\" data-end=\"3076\">purely hypothetical<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3079\" data-end=\"3188\">\n<li data-start=\"3079\" data-end=\"3112\">\n<p data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3112\"><strong data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3112\">3I\/ATLAS will not hit Earth<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3154\">\n<p data-start=\"3115\" data-end=\"3154\">Its orbit is stable and well-measured<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3155\" data-end=\"3188\">\n<p data-start=\"3157\" data-end=\"3188\">There is <strong data-start=\"3166\" data-end=\"3186\">zero impact risk<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3190\" data-end=\"3258\">NASA confirms there is no scenario where this comet threatens Earth.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3265\" data-end=\"3296\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_3IATLAS_an_alien_object\"><\/span>Is 3I\/ATLAS an alien object?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3298\" data-end=\"3402\">No. Searches like <em data-start=\"3316\" data-end=\"3334\">\u201c3I\/ATLAS alien\u201d<\/em> or <em data-start=\"3338\" data-end=\"3361\">\u201c3I\/ATLAS spacecraft\u201d<\/em> are driven by speculation, not evidence.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3404\" data-end=\"3569\">All observed properties\u2014speed, brightness variation, and gas emission\u2014are <strong data-start=\"3478\" data-end=\"3519\">fully consistent with a natural comet<\/strong>. There is <strong data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3568\">no indication of artificial origin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3576\" data-end=\"3608\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3IATLAS_size_and_composition\"><\/span>3I\/ATLAS size and composition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3610\" data-end=\"3638\">Preliminary studies suggest:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3639\" data-end=\"3792\">\n<li data-start=\"3639\" data-end=\"3691\">\n<p data-start=\"3641\" data-end=\"3691\"><strong data-start=\"3641\" data-end=\"3650\">Size:<\/strong> hundreds of meters to a few kilometers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3692\" data-end=\"3745\">\n<p data-start=\"3694\" data-end=\"3745\"><strong data-start=\"3694\" data-end=\"3710\">Composition:<\/strong> ice, dust, and organic compounds<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3746\" data-end=\"3792\">\n<p data-start=\"3748\" data-end=\"3792\"><strong data-start=\"3748\" data-end=\"3761\">Activity:<\/strong> moderate cometary outgassing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3883\">Ongoing observations aim to compare its chemistry with comets formed in our Solar System.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3890\" data-end=\"3931\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_3IATLAS_important_for_science\"><\/span>Why is 3I\/ATLAS important for science?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3933\" data-end=\"3973\">3I\/ATLAS provides a rare opportunity to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3974\" data-end=\"4132\">\n<li data-start=\"3974\" data-end=\"4019\">\n<p data-start=\"3976\" data-end=\"4019\">Study <strong data-start=\"3982\" data-end=\"4019\">material from another star system<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4020\" data-end=\"4071\">\n<p data-start=\"4022\" data-end=\"4071\">Understand how common interstellar objects may be<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4072\" data-end=\"4132\">\n<p data-start=\"4074\" data-end=\"4132\">Improve early detection of fast-moving extrasolar bodies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4134\" data-end=\"4227\">Each interstellar visitor refines our understanding of planetary formation across the galaxy.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4234\" data-end=\"4287\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"4289\" data-end=\"4315\">Is 3I\/ATLAS dangerous?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4316\" data-end=\"4364\">No. NASA confirms it poses <strong data-start=\"4343\" data-end=\"4354\">no risk<\/strong> to Earth.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4366\" data-end=\"4409\">Can I see 3I\/ATLAS without a telescope?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4410\" data-end=\"4455\">No. It is too faint for naked-eye visibility.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4457\" data-end=\"4487\">Why is it called 3I\/ATLAS?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4488\" data-end=\"4562\">\u201c3I\u201d means the third interstellar object; \u201cATLAS\u201d is the discovery survey.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4564\" data-end=\"4602\">Is 3I\/ATLAS bigger than \u2018Oumuamua?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4603\" data-end=\"4688\">Current estimates suggest it may be <strong data-start=\"4639\" data-end=\"4649\">larger<\/strong>, but precise measurements are ongoing.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4714\" data-end=\"4988\"><strong data-start=\"4714\" data-end=\"4844\">3I\/ATLAS is not dangerous, not artificial, and not visible without powerful telescopes\u2014but it is scientifically extraordinary.<\/strong> As only the third confirmed interstellar object ever observed, it offers astronomers a unique glimpse into material formed around another star.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4990\" data-end=\"5082\">Expect continued updates, sharper images, and refined measurements\u2014but no cause for concern.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4990\" data-end=\"5082\">Read Similar Interesting Blogs <a href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/\">Here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>3I\/ATLAS is a newly discovered interstellar comet that has captured global attention after NASA-confirmed observations showed it passing safely through our Solar System. Detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), this object is only the third confirmed interstellar visitor ever identified\u2014making it a rare and scientifically valuable event. This article explains what 3I\/ATLAS &#8230; <a title=\"3I\/ATLAS: Interstellar Comet Explained | Latest NASA Updates, Size, Earth Flyby &#038; Safety\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-nasa-update\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 3I\/ATLAS: Interstellar Comet Explained | Latest NASA Updates, Size, Earth Flyby &#038; Safety\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,1,21,20],"tags":[22,26,24,23,25,27],"class_list":["post-42","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-astronomy","category-blog","category-solar-system","category-space-science","tag-3i-atlas","tag-atlas-survey","tag-comet-news","tag-interstellar-object","tag-nasa","tag-space-discovery"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47,"href":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42\/revisions\/47"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/astrophiles.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}