Comet 3I/Atlas, the third confirmed interstellar object, approaches the Solar System at 57 km/s. Astronomers detected the celestial body on a hyperbolic trajectory, which prevents capture by solar gravity. The discovery occurred recently through telescopic observations.
The object originates from another stellar system and does not form an orbit around the Sun. The initial speed exceeds the local escape velocity, allowing a deviation similar to a gravitational slingshot maneuver.
- 3I/Atlas speed: 57 km/s;
- Comparison with Oumuamua: 26 km/s;
- Comparison with Borisov: 33 km/s.
Origin of interstellar objects
Bodies like 3I/Atlas orbited distant stars before being ejected. Gravitational interactions or stellar explosions cause expulsion into interstellar space.
These objects travel for millions of years until they cross systems like the solar system. Telescopes identify trajectories not linked to the Sun to validate external nature.
3I/ATLAS Is Not Behind the Sun.
— 3I/ATLAS (@3IAtlas_Anomaly) October 28, 2025
Astronomers were told the interstellar object would disappear behind the Sun during its Oct 29 perihelion. But new observations show that’s not true.
On Oct 25, the team recorded 3I/ATLAS visible beside the Sun — not hidden.
Position: RA 13h 38m… pic.twitter.com/cqRoIn8PGT
Hyperbolic trajectory details
The hyperbolic trajectory indicates speed greater than the escape velocity at each point. 3I/Atlas enters the Solar System, undergoes a detour and leaves without orbiting.
Solar gravity changes direction, but does not reduce speed enough for capture. Observations follow the current path towards deep space.
Computer models simulate the gravitational slingshot effect. The interaction lasts a few weeks, with the closest point calculated.
Comparison with solar comets
Comets in the Solar System reach tens of km/s at perihelion. Interstellar objects maintain velocities inherited from the galactic medium.
The difference reinforces the external origin of 3I/Atlas. Spectroscopy examines composition and identifies unique proportions of elements.
Previously observed speedups
Oumuamua exhibited unexpected acceleration in 2017 near the Sun. Degassing of captured hydrogen explains the movement as natural.
Solar heat releases gas from inside the object. Alternative hypotheses lack concrete evidence.
Gravitational interactions underway
Apassage bends the trajectory of 3I/Atlas at a predicted angle. Observatories update orbital data in real time.
Kinetic energy overcomes solar attraction. After exit, the object maintains perpetual motion in the cosmos.
Chemical composition analyzed
Studies detect common elements in different proportions of solar systems. Analysis classifies 3I/Atlas as interstellar.
Telescopes capture spectra to compare with local materials. Results exclude connection with the Sun.
The solar influence extends up to 3.8 light years, but does not affect 3I/Atlas. The object heads into interstellar space after the detour.
