Third Known Interstellar Object Makes Close Pass By Earth
• Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS made its closest approach to Earth on December 19, providing a rare opportunity for scientific observation.
• Discovered by ATLAS telescopes in Chile, 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object ever observed.
• The comet's flyby allows scientists to study material from another star system, offering insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems.
Comet 3I/ATLAS made closest approach to Earth
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS made its closest approach to Earth early on Friday, December 19, according to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The flyby occurred at approximately 1 a.m. EST, with the comet reaching a distance of about 1.8 astronomical units from our planet. This close pass posed no threat to Earth but offered a unique opportunity for scientific observation.
Related News