3I/ATLAS is an interstellar object traveling through our solar system, spotted by NASA on July 1. It is the third known interstellar visitor, expected to be closest to the sun on October 30 at 130 million miles. Scientists are considering launching spacecraft from various locations to intercept it. The high speed of 37 miles per second presents challenges. Researchers aim to explore the object’s origins and contributions to understanding galaxy formation, pondering its potential as an alien probe. Observations have begun with major telescopes, and plans for studying it further using the James Webb Space Telescope are in progress.
3I/ATLAS will reach its closest point to the sun on October 30, at a distance of 130 million miles (210 million km), before disappearing once again.
Scientists hope that by reaching 3I/ATLAS in time, they could learn more about its origins and even answer some big questions about the formation of the galaxy.
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