Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Approaches Earth
Scientists suggest that 3I/ATLAS, a rare comet, is likely not alone and more interstellar objects may be on the way.
Astronomers have detected 3I/ATLAS, one of the rarest comets observed, and believe it may have companions. Advanced detection methods are expected to reveal more frequent visits from interstellar objects.
As 3I/ATLAS journeys past Mars and makes its closest approach to Earth, it will be obscured from view as it travels behind the Sun.
Such discoveries are likely, even though 3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar object astronomers have detected in our planetary neighborhood.
- 3I/ATLAS is a rare comet
- It is likely not alone
- More interstellar objects may be detected soon
Author's summary: Comet 3I/ATLAS approaches Earth, likely with companions.