Comet 3I/ATLAS is getting greener and brighter as it approaches Earth, new images reveal

Live ScienceFriday, December 12, 2025 at 10:05:40 PM
PositiveScience
Comet 3I/ATLAS is getting greener and brighter as it approaches Earth, new images reveal
  • New images from the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii reveal that the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has become brighter and greener as it approaches Earth, following its close flyby of the sun in October. This observation confirms the comet's increasing visibility and changes in its composition.
  • The enhanced brightness and green hue of Comet 3I/ATLAS are significant as they provide insights into the comet's physical characteristics and behavior as it travels through the solar system. Such observations can help scientists understand the nature of interstellar objects and their interactions with solar radiation.
  • The ongoing study of Comet 3I/ATLAS aligns with broader scientific interests in celestial phenomena, particularly as NASA and other organizations continue to capture and analyze images of this and other comets. The recent surge in public interest in space exploration, alongside challenges in public health and environmental issues, highlights the diverse topics that capture global attention.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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Comet 3I/ATLAS reaches its closest point to Earth tonight: How to see it in the sky and online
PositiveScience
Comet 3I/ATLAS is set to reach its closest point to Earth overnight from December 18 to 19, 2025, marking a significant event for astronomers and space enthusiasts. This interstellar comet, the third of its kind detected, offers a unique opportunity for observation as it swings by our planet.

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