Astronomers have found 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar object in our solar system. It is moving quickly, and scientists are pursuing observations using advanced telescopes. Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb suggested using NASA's Juno spacecraft to approach 3I/ATLAS as it nears Jupiter. Representative Anna Paulina Luna supported extending the Juno mission for further study. However, experts criticized Loeb's plan, noting Juno's fuel limitations and malfunctioning engine would prevent it from intercepting 3I/ATLAS.
"The close encounter of 3I/ATLAS to Jupiter provides a rare opportunity to shift Juno from its current orbit around Jupiter to intercept the path of 3I/ATLAS at its closest approach to Jupiter."
"I support an extension of the Juno mission at least until mid-March 2026 at a cost of about $15M per 6 months from the current expiration date of mid-September 2025."
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