After extended U.S. government shutdown, NASA finally resumed nonessential work. It starts with a bang: the agency called a press conference to show previously reserved photos of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. NASA scientists also confirmed that 3I/ATLAS is, in fact, a comet, contrary to speculation about alien technology flooding the Internet.
During the broadcast, a panel of scientists showed the results of observations obtained by various NASA missions at various points during the 3I/ATLAS journey. Each provided insight into the infrared, perceptible, ultraviolet and gamma-ray spectrum, providing a greater understanding of the true nature of 3I/ATLAS.
The most essential data include photos taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and MAVEN satellites, as well as those from the Psyche and Lucy space probes, and even from the SOHO solar probe. The scientists explained that all data will be publicly available and anyone can examine it.
3I/ATLAS images provided by NASA
SOHO: Image from a solar monitoring probe
This orange photo is from NASA. The SOHO spacecraft captured 3I/ATLAS between October 15 and 26. According to the agency, the photo was a surprise. They did not expect that the object could be seen from such a long distance, 358 million kilometers.
MRO: One of the best close-ups in 3I/ATLAS
One of the most anticipated photos of the comet is the one obtained by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter satellite in October, when 3I/ATLAS approached it at “only” 29 million kilometers. NASA finally shared this information. The image shows a frozen body surrounded by a cloud of distinctive dust ejected as the comet approached the Sun.
STEREO: Photo confirming the shape of 3I/ATLAS
The STEREO observatory analyzes the behavior of the sun. To obtain at least one coherent image of the comet, scientists had to combine several images taken at different exposures. Ultimately, the interstellar object was revealed as a vivid ball against a boisterous background.
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MAVEN: Glimpse of a hydrogen comet
MAVEN is a Mars orbiter. Its lens captured an image of the ultraviolet spectrum of 3I/ATLAS before it made its closest approach to the Red Planet. Shows hydrogen emitted from various sources. The part on the left belongs to the comet’s signature.
PUNCH: Another look at the Sun
PUNCH is a polarimeter monitoring the solar corona and its heliosphere. However, its lenses enabled visualization of the comet’s tail for weeks from October to September. In this animation, each frame shows a daily snapshot, while streaks in the background are created by the movement of stars.
On December 19, 2025, the comet will reach its closest point to Earth. It will fly at a completely secure distance: about 267 million kilometers. For comparison, this is equivalent to almost 700 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon and 1.8 times the distance between our planet and the Sun. This flyby will have no impact on Earth.
Both NASA and other space agencies are expected to launch additional observing campaigns to capture better images and relevant information about the third confirmed interstellar object in history.
This story originally appeared on WIRE in Spanish and was translated from Spanish.