Mars transformed into top observatory by visiting comet 3I/ATLAS
When astronomers from the ATLAS system in Chile detected the comet on July 1, 2025, its trajectory did not match any known orbit. It was not orbiting the Sun. It was coming from outside. They named it 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar comet ever observed. What sets it apart is that its path brings it close to Mars, while Earth remains on the opposite side of the Sun.
Six spacecraft, one common goal
Between October 1 and 7, six interplanetary missions aimed their instruments towards the comet. The minimum distance was about 30 million kilometers, an ideal proximity to analyze its composition and structure. The camera is expected to provide the clearest image ever obtained of an interstellar comet.
Mars, the eye of the galaxy
On October 3, 2025, the comet passed at 0.195 astronomical units from Mars. With the right angle and brightness, the Martian orbiters could analyze the gas and dust surrounding the nucleus of the comet.
