It came from outer space. An object from outside our Solar System is now passing through at high speed. Classified as a comet because of its gaseous coma, 3I/ATLAS is only the third identified macroscopic object as being so alien . The comet's trajectory is shown in white on the featured map , where the orbits of Jupiter , Mars , and Earth are shown in gold, red, and blue. Currently Comet 3I/ATLAS is about the distance of Jupiter from the Sun -- but closing, with its closest approach to our Sun expected to be within the orbit of Mars in late October. Expected to pass near both Mars and Jupiter, 3I/ATLAS is not expected to pass close to the Earth. The origin of Comet 3I/ATLAS remains unknown . Although initial activity indicates a relatively normal comet , future observations about 3I/ATLAS ' composition and nature will surely continue.
Piece it All Together: Astronomy Puzzle of the Day
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Image Credit: NASA , JPL-Caltech