Astronomers have confirmed that comet 3I/Atlas, the third interstellar object detected in the Solar System, reaches a speed of 57 km/s. The celestial body follows a hyperbolic trajectory, which prevents capture by solar gravity. Telescopic observations have identified an origin in another star system.
The discovery occurred in July 2025 by the ATLAS system in Chile. The comet passed through perihelion on October 30, 1.4 AU from the Sun. It poses no risk to Earth, with a minimum approach of 1.8 AU in December.
- Current speed: 57 km/s;
- Comparison with Oumuamua: 26 km/s;
- Comparison with Borisov: 33 km/s.
The object traveled millions of years in interstellar space before entering the Solar System.
Interstellar Origin
Bodies like 3I/Atlas orbited distant stars before ejection. Gravitational interactions or stellar explosions cause expulsion into interstellar space.
These objects cross star systems after long journeys. Telescopes detect trajectories not linked to the Sun to confirm external nature.
Spectroscopic observations reveal unique proportions of elements. Analysis compares composition with local solar materials.
Hyperbolic trajectory details
Hyperbolic trajectory indicates speed greater than escape velocity at each point. 3I/Atlas enters the Solar System, deviates and leaves without forming an orbit.
Solar gravity changes direction, but does not reduce speed enough to capture. Observations track current path to deep space.
Calculations predict the point of greatest approximation. Interaction lasts weeks, with computer models simulating gravitational slingshot effect.
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.
Difference highlights the external origin of 3I/Atlas. Spectroscopy analyzes composition and identifies unique proportions of elements.
Accelerations observed in previous cases
Oumuamua exhibited unexpected acceleration in 2017 during passage by the Sun. Degassing of captured hydrogen explains natural movement.
Solar heat releases gas from inside the object. Alternative hypotheses lack concrete evidence.
Effects of gravitational interactions
Passage curved trajectory of the 3I/Atlas at a calculated angle. Observatories monitor orbital data in real time.
Kinetic energy predominates over solar attraction. After exit, the object maintains eternal movement in space.
Chemical composition analysis
Studies have detected common elements in different proportions of solar systems. Analysis confirms interstellar classification.
Telescopes capture spectra for comparison with local materials. Results reinforce the absence of a connection with the Sun.
Recent Observations
Hubble images in July 2025 showed diffuse coma. Gemini telescopes recorded antitail in August.
Missions such as ExoMars and Mars Express captured images in October. James Webb analyzed composition in infrared.
Comet activity remains stable with no flares detected.
Recorded speeds
3I/Atlas surpasses the speeds of previous interstellar objects. Orbital eccentricity reaches 6.14, record confirmed.
Speed at perihelion reached 68 km/s. Object permanently escapes the Solar System.
Single composition
High presence of CO2 and nickel makes it different from most comets. High CO2/H2O ratio suggests formation in a cold environment.
Spectra reveal volatile metals like nickel before iron.
Continuous monitoring
Terrestrial and space observatories monitor re-emergence in November. Comet weakens after perihelion, but remainsvisible.
Data collected contributes to understanding planetary formation in other systems.
The object heads to interstellar space after passing by Jupiter in 2026.
