The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is approaching a gravitational encounter with Júpiter that could alter its exit trajectory from Sistema Solar. The object, discovered in July 2025 by the ATLAS system in Chile, travels at approximately 58 km/s, a speed characteristic of bodies coming from outside our planetary system. Astrônomos have been monitoring the comet since its identification as the third confirmed interstellar, after 1I/’Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov. The approach to the giant planet occurs on March 16, 2026, at about 0.358 AU (53.6 million km), within the radius of Hill of Júpiter.
Recent observations indicate that the encounter may slightly modify the comet’s orbit due to gravitational influence. Além In addition, non-gravitational forces, such as gas jets emitted by the core and solar radiation pressure, contribute to small variations in the route. The comet entered Sistema Solar from the direction of the constellation Sagitário and, after passing through Júpiter, heads towards the constellation Gêmeos before permanently leaving the planetary region.
Close encounter with Júpiter
NASA’s Juno probe, positioned in orbit around Júpiter, has a monitoring window between March 9 and 22, 2026. During this period, the probe’s instruments can capture data on the comet’s composition and activity as it crosses the region influenced by the planet.
The crossing occurs at a distance that allows significant gravitational interaction. Estudos based on statistical simulations predict that the post-encounter trajectory will present subtle deviations compared to the original path.
Origin and characteristics of the comet
Research indicates that 3I/ATLAS probably originated in the thick disk of Via Láctea, a region with older stars. Análises indicate that the object may have been roaming interstellar space for about 10 billion years, with no recent close approaches to other stars in the last 10 million years.
Its chemical composition offers a window to study distant environments in the galaxy. Observações spectroscopic tests revealed emissions of gases such as CN, C3 and C2, as well as dust in the form of asymmetric fans.
Observations carried out by space missions
The JUICE probe, from Agência Espacial Europeia, captured images of the comet in November 2025 during its trajectory towards Júpiter. Complete data from the mission’s science instruments is expected to reach Terra in February 2026, providing details about the shape of the core and the surrounding gas cloud.
Other missions, such as those on Marte, recorded the comet during its passage close to the planet in October 2025. Telescópios terrestrials, including Gemini Norte, obtained color images that show the asymmetric coma and variations in activity.
Complete trajectory through Sistema Solar
The comet reached perihelion on October 29, 2025, 1.36 AU from Sol, within the orbit of Marte. Passou at 0.194 AU from Marte on October 3, 2025 and at 0.65 AU from Vênus on November 3, 2025. The minimum distance from
After the encounter with Júpiter, the comet will continue its journey out of Sistema Solar. Ele should reach the inner Oort cloud around 2189 and the outer edge in about 8 thousand years.
Activity observed on the comet
3I/ATLAS exhibited significant activity after perihelion, with flares that increased its brightness and formed tails of dust and ions. Periodic Mudanças in positional observations suggest rotations with a period of about 4 hours.
Telescopes like NASA’s TESS performed special observations in January 2026 to study the rotation and activity of the nucleus. The presence of abundant CO2 indicates a different composition from typical solar comets.
Comet 3I/ATLAS remains a valuable object of study for understanding interstellar processes and the formation of distant planetary systems.