NASA Unveils Stunning Photos of Rare Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

NASA has released remarkable new photographs of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, providing an unprecedented view of this rare celestial visitor as it traverses the inner solar system. The comet, which appears as a bright point surrounded by a delicate halo of gas and dust, was captured by multiple spacecraft over several weeks. The release of these images was delayed due to the recent federal government shutdown.

Discovered in July 2025, 3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar object to enter our solar system, following ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Its approach has generated significant scientific interest, particularly since it is observable at a closer range than previous interstellar visitors. NASA has emphasized that available data indicates 3I/ATLAS behaves like a natural comet, countering various online speculations.

Spacecraft Document Comet’s Rapid Passage

Among the array of images released, one notable photograph was taken by NASA’s Lucy spacecraft on September 16, 2025. This image consists of a series of stacked exposures that captured 3I/ATLAS as it sped towards Mars. Other sequences obtained from the STEREO-A observatory between September 11 and 25 show the comet traveling at approximately 130,000 miles per hour.

The European Space Agency (ESA) also confirmed that its ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter photographed the comet during its close approach to Mars. ESA officials reported that the comet was around 18.6 million miles from the orbiter when captured, appearing as a bright, rapidly moving point in the vastness of space. The alignment of data from both NASA and ESA has helped clarify the comet’s trajectory, providing a unique opportunity for scientists to analyze multiple perspectives of an interstellar body within the inner solar system.

Upcoming Observations and Earth Flyby

<3I/ATLAS reached perihelion, its closest point to the sun, at the end of October 2025, temporarily disappearing from the sight of ground-based telescopes. NASA anticipates the comet will re-emerge from behind the sun in early December 2025, creating new opportunities for observation. Despite its increased visibility, NASA has confirmed that 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth.

The comet is expected to make its closest approach to our planet on December 19, 2025, at a distance of approximately 170 million miles. Scientists plan to study its speed, composition, and potential origins as new data becomes available throughout December. The images released this week contribute to an expanding international record of the comet’s journey, marking one of the most intriguing astronomical events of the year.

As NASA continues its investigations, the data gathered from 3I/ATLAS will enhance our understanding of interstellar objects and their behaviors, enriching the field of astronomy.