Summary
NASA shared infrared images of an interstellar comet called 3I/ATLAS as it left our solar system. The images were captured by NASA's SPHEREx telescope and showed the comet brightening as it vented gases like water and carbon dioxide. 3I/ATLAS is only the third object from outside our solar system to pass through it.
Key Facts
- NASA released new images of comet 3I/ATLAS taken by the SPHEREx telescope in December 2025.
- 3I/ATLAS is the third known object from outside our solar system to pass through it.
- The comet was first observed on July 1, 2025, in Chile, traveling at about 137,000 miles per hour.
- At its closest approach to the sun, the comet's speed increased to 153,000 miles per hour.
- Infrared images show the comet releasing organic molecules like methanol and methane.
- The comet became bright as it vented water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
- The SPHEREx telescope, launched in March 2025, aims to map over 450 million galaxies and stars.
