Since its discovery on July 1, 2025, thanks to the ATLAS survey telescope in Hawaii, comet 3I/ATLAS has been widely observed by the astronomical community. This object not only has a trajectory that indicates that it comes from outside the solar system, but it also has unusual characteristics for a “normal” comet: a coma rich in carbon dioxide (CO₂) detected by the James Webb Space Telescope and emission of metals such as nickel, in addition to a multi-tailed structure.
To that we must add his speed, one of the fastest known to date. According to NASAthe new images have been collected by multiple platforms, including space telescopes and orbiting probes.
The new images capture the planet’s core and coma in high resolution, showing details of the dust, gas and active jets. The objective is to use them to better understand its composition and confirm or expand findings on the abundance of CO₂, water and other gases. But also understand something more important and that lies at the core (literal and figurative) of 3I/ATLAS: how different it is from the comets of the solar system.
It is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity: only three interstellar objects have been confirmed so far, and 3I/ATLAS It is the most recent. The images may offer clues about how comets formed in other star systems long before Earth existed.
Although experts have already published preliminary analyses, this conference is likely to include material not yet published, which could reveal unexpected surprises. Therefore, many astrophysicists will be attentive, ready to update their models on trajectories, composition and dynamics of interstellar bodies.
One of the conclusions they have reached is that 3I/ATLAS would have originated in a very old system, taking into account the speed and its composition. In fact, Speculation is that this comet is older than our solar system.
At the same time, they also claim that everything indicates that it is a comet and not an example of alien technologybut that does not mean that there is not much to learn, even more so considering his age.
During the conference, Amit Kshatriya – NASA Associate Administrator for Science – clearly stated that “all evidence points to 3I/ATLAS being a natural comet from another star system.”
This statement serves to dispel sensational rumors of artificial origin that had previously circulated.
For example, another NASA scientist, Tom Statler, had previously said that “there is nothing that points to extraterrestrial activity” in this object.
It was also reiterated that the comet does not pose any risk to the Earthsince its closest approach to the planet is estimated at ~1.8 astronomical units (~270 million km).
In addition, it was highlighted that perihelion (closest point to the Sun) has already passed on October 29, 2025, which marks the moment of greatest thermal activity of the object.
Striking physical characteristics
The experts highlighted some of the most striking features already confirmed in previous studies:
A comma dominated by CO₂ with a high ratio to water, which is unusual compared to comets in the solar system. arXiv
Observation of water, ice and activity at great distances from the Sun, suggesting that 3I/ATLAS is more active than would be expected for its size and distance. The new images showed details of the coma and ion tail that appear more extensive or varied than usual for a “passing” interstellar object.
NASA invited the community and general public to stay curiousbut also the caution. As Kshatriya said: “This comet can teach us a lot, but we need to look at the data rigorously.”
The full data — images, spectra, light curves — is expected to be published in the coming weeks, allowing for deeper analysis.