The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS continues to show non-gravitational accelerations and lateral jets that do not follow expected natural patterns. Observado since the beginning of 2025, the object will pass within about 0.3 astronomical units of Terra on December 19. The recorded features challenge traditional ice sublimation models.
Agência Espacial Europeia has maintained the Hera mission on a normal trajectory since launch on October 7, 2024. The probe will arrive at the Didymos-Dimorphos binary system in December 2026 to assess the effects of the impact of the DART mission, carried out on September 26, 2022.
Anomalies observed in 3I/ATLAS
Ground-based and space-based telescopes record irregular brightness peaks. The jets appear in lateral directions in relation to Sol.
The measured acceleration exceeds values explained only by degassing. Dados from NASA show non-standard ultraviolet halo.
Mission objectives Hera in system Didymos
The probe will map the crater created by the DART impact. Instrumentos will determine changes in the mass and shape of Dimorphos.
Two CubeSats will perform complementary measurements in close orbit. Eles will test autonomous navigation technologies in low gravity.
Historical impact of the DART test
The collision changed the orbital period of Dimorphos by 33 minutes. The result confirmed the kinetic impact deflection technique.
Images captured by the LICIACube cubesat showed the ejection of thousands of tons of material. The event served as a proof of concept for planetary defense.
Technologies embedded in Hera
The ship has an independent optical navigation system. Câmeras and radars allow precise maneuvers just a few meters from the target.
Spectrometers will analyze the chemical composition of the exposed surface. The data will reveal long-term effects of the 2022 impact.
Convergence between the two events
The 3I/ATLAS presents trajectory variations with no identified external cause. The Hera mission studies exactly how to alter the movements of celestial bodies.
The results obtained in Dimorphos will serve as a technical reference. The information will be applied to future land protection strategies.
Timeline until the arrival of Hera
Trajectory corrections occur periodically until 2026. The approach phase begins in October of that year.
Control centers on Alemanha and Itália coordinate operations. Equipes perform regular communication and command tests.
The combination of 3I/ATLAS monitoring with the Hera mission reinforces international planetary defense programs. Space agencies exchange data in real time to track both events.
Next steps in monitoring
- Observatories maintain continuous coverage until December
- Analyzes compare 3I/ATLAS patterns with known artificial behaviors
- Preliminary results from Hera will be released shortly after arrival in 2026
- Collaboration between NASA and ESA intensifies exchange of technical information
