Astronomers were surprised after observing the behavior of the interstellar comet 3i/Atlas. While crossing the solar system, it was reached by a solar storm that, under normal conditions, would have caused visible damage to its structure; However, the object continued its route as if nothing had happened.
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Solar storms, also known as coronal mass ejections, are extremely powerful events. They can damage satellites, affect telecommunications on Earth and even fragment asteroids or comets that cross their way, something that has not happened with the 3I/Atlas.
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The Gizmodo portal indicates that, according to solar prediction models, in September one of these explosions directly hit the object. The surprising thing was that, after the collision, there were no traces of erosion or rupture. For specialists, this fact makes a big difference with respect to what usually happens with other similar bodies.
Astronomers expected to see visible damage, but the object continued their journey without alterations. (Photo: NASA, ESA, D. Jewitt (UCLA), J. Depasquale (STSCI))
Given this phenomenon, scientists began to raise their hypotheses. One of them indicates that the 3I/Atlas core could be composed of unusually dense materials. Another theory suggests that it has a protective cortex capable of acting as a natural shield. The possibility of having internal mechanisms that redistribute the energy of impact is also considered.
Beyond what is finally discovered, this finding opens new lines of research. If an object can resist so intense solar radiation, it could help design more resistant materials for space exploration and offer clues about how the planets formed in extreme environments.
Among the hypotheses there is talk of a dense nucleus, a protective cortex or magnetic mechanisms that shield it. (Photo: NASA / James Webb Space Telescope)
There is no lack of those who consider that this case also feeds the debate on the possible presence of “unnatural” components in some interstellar visitors, something that NASA itself has already clarified previously.
The 3I/Atlas route will continue in the next few days with an approach to Mars, where it will be studied in greater detail by telescopes and probes.
The truth is that this cosmic traveler, capable of supporting the sun and continuing intact, continues to test our ideas about what we know about space.
Its resistance not only generates astonishment, but also could open new possibilities in space exploration. (Photo: @noirlabastroes / x)
3I/Atlas: This will be his career for our cosmic neighborhood
This is what you should know about the trajectory of comet 3i/Atlas:
- Origin: The comet comes from outside our solar system, traveling from interstellar space in a hyperbolic (not closed) orbit.
- Record speed: entered at an extremely high speed (about 58 km/s, which is equivalent to 208,800 km/h), becoming the fastest interstellar object known.
- SOLAR APPROACH: It will make its maximum approach to the Sun (perihelio) in October 2025, passing to a distance between the orbits of the Earth and Mars.
- Final destination: After surrounding the sun, its high speed will be expelled from the solar system forever, returning to interstellar space.
Where and when was the 3I/Atlas discovered
The interstellar comet 3i/Atlas was discovered on July 1, 2025 by the ATLAS Automated Telescopete System (Terrestrial Asteroid-Impact Last Alert System). Specifically, the finding was made using the ATLAS station telescope located in RÃo Hurtado, Chile.
The “3i/Atlas” denomination means “third interstellar object” discovered by the Atlas team after Oumuamua and 2i/BorÃsov.
Its importance is that its study offers astronomers a unique opportunity to analyze material from other star systems, which could be even older than our own sun.
When the 3I/Atlas to Mars and the Sun will approach
The interstellar comet 3i/Atlas will have its maximum approach to the planet Mars in early October 2025. The closest event is calculated for October 3, when it will pass to a distance of about 30 million kilometers of Mars. Several ships in orbit and on the surface of Mars are ready to observe it.
Then, the kite will reach its closest point to the sun, the perihelio, at the end of October 2025. Specifically, this will occur on October 29. At that time, it will cross an orbit located between Earth and Mars.
Due to its proximity to the Sun, 3I/Atlas will be hidden from view from Earth for much of that month. It will reappear for terrestrial telescopes in early December 2025, when it is already on the way to abandon the solar system.
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