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NASA points two space observatories at 3I\/ATLAS comet<\/p>\n
NASA’s James Webb Telescope and SPHEREx mission are collaborating on the study of the interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS<\/p>\n
A rare interstellar object is hurtling toward the sun and, despite viral claims, experts say it’s just a normal comet, although it’s showing some unexpected behavior.<\/p>\n
3I\/Atlas marks the third interstellar object<\/a> ever discovered in our solar system; scientists found the interstellar object in July 2025, according to Space.com.<\/p>\n As the comet nears its closest point to the sun in its orbit Oct. 29, and amid a Harvard astronomer’s hypothesis<\/a> about potential alien technology, the internet has been abuzz with curiosity about 3I\/Atlas.<\/p>\n Experts with NASA say there’s no reason to worry<\/a>, as the object is a natural comet posing no threat to Earth, though its unusual chemical activity offers a chance for new scientific discoveries, according to the Guardian.<\/p>\n Here’s what to know about interstellar comet activity.<\/p>\n What’s happening with 3I\/Atlas?<\/p>\n Interstellar comet 3I\/Atlas is expected to reach<\/a> perihelion, its closest point to the sun, Wednesday, Oct. 29, according to Space.com.<\/p>\n What are people saying about 3I\/Atlas?<\/p>\n Astronomer Avi Loeb, <\/a>the Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University, recently made waves<\/a> online for his theory that the interstellar comet has a 30% to 40% chance of being an artificial alien object<\/a> sent to observe the solar system, Futurism reported.<\/p>\n “For a spacecraft, perihelion is the optimal time<\/a> for either acceleration or deceleration by an impulse from an engine, thanks to the gravitational assist from the sun,” Loeb wrote. “This is also true of a mothership releasing mini-probes that maneuver towards the planets. Unfortunately, we cannot observe 3I\/ATLAS from Earth at this opportune time, which raises the question of whether its trajectory was fine-tuned by extraterrestrial intelligence?”<\/p>\n Loeb has written papers outlining his theory and made media appearances, including on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast’s Oct. 28 episode, sparking online chatter and conspiracy theories.<\/p>\n “On December 19, 2025, 6 days before Christmas, 3I\/ATLAS will get to its closest distance of 267 million kilometers from Earth, assuming a purely gravitational trajectory. Will 3I\/ATLAS send mini-probes towards Earth as Christmas gifts to humanity?” Loeb wrote online.<\/a><\/p>\n Is 3I\/Atlas really a threat?<\/p>\n Loeb’s viral claims lack evidence and astronomy experts at NASA confirm<\/a> the object appears to be a natural interstellar comet, noting individual comets typically have unique variations, the Guardian reported.<\/p>\n What is 3I\/Atlas?<\/p>\n