NASA Confirms Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS Is Just That

The interstellar comet 3I → ATLAS is set to make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025. This celestial event has sparked significant interest, with various theories emerging about the comet’s nature. According to NASA, the comet is, in fact, just that – a comet from beyond the solar system. In a recent televised press conference, NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya addressed the rumors, stating that the comet “looks and behaves like a comet, and all evidence points to it being a comet.” The comet’s origin outside the solar system makes it “fascinating, exciting and scientifically very important,” as noted by Kshatriya. Comet 3I → ATLAS is not the first interstellar object known to have originated from outside the solar system, with a total of three such objects identified to date.

The “3I” in its name denotes its interstellar origin. As the comet approaches Earth, astronomers and space enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to study this rare and unusual visitor.