NASA’s Parker Solar Probe probe recorded unprecedented images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS between October 18 and November 5, 2025.
The comet, discovered on July 1, 2025 by the ATLAS telescope at Chile, follows a hyperbolic trajectory originating outside Sistema Solar. Ele reached perihelion on October 29, 2025, about 210 million kilometers from Sol, and underwent closest approach to Terra on December 19, at 270 million kilometers.
These captures provide valuable data on the behavior of the interstellar visitor at a critical stage of their journey.
- The WISPR instrument captured about 10 daily images of the comet.
- The probe was positioned away from Sol after its 25th flyby.
- The observations occurred at a unique angle, impossible to replicate from Terra.
Discovery and initial trajectory
Comet 3I/ATLAS received designations C/2025 N1 and A11pl3Z upon initial detection. Astrônomos confirmed its interstellar origin by hyperbolic orbit and high speed.
The object approached Marte at 0.194 astronomical units on October 3, 2025. Preliminary Observações indicated cometary activity, with a diffuse coma and subtle tail.
Captures by probe Parker
Parker Solar Probe used the WISPR instrument to record the comet over consecutive weeks. The spacecraft rolled its axis to align the field of view, allowing continuous tracking.
In the raw images, the comet appears moving across the frame as the probe moves away from Sol. Data is being processed to remove stray light and correct for variable exposures.
These records reveal variations in apparent brightness and coma structures during periods inaccessible to ground-based telescopes.
Unique observation conditions
The comet passed behind Sol from the point of view of Parker in the early stages of the captures. Nessa configuration, the object was positioned around 209 million kilometers from Sol, outside the orbit of Marte.
The apparent proximity to Sol made it invisible from Terra, but the probe’s orbital position allowed clear visibility. Essa geometry favors studies of interaction with the solar wind and tail evolution.
Scientific relevance of the visitor
3I/ATLAS represents the third confirmed interstellar object, after ‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov. Sua composition includes high levels of carbon dioxide and reddish dust, differing from local comets.
Complementary observations from missions such as Hubble, James Webb and Europa Clipper enrich the data from Parker. The records help to understand comet formation in other star systems.
Ongoing processing and analysis
The WISPR team adjusts images to eliminate solar interference and equalize brightness. Final versions will allow precise analysis of comet activity and orbital trajectory.
These data contribute to models of interstellar objects and their interaction with the solar environment.
Additional observations on Sistema Solar
Missions in Marte recorded the comet during its approach to the red planet. Telescópios spacers like Hubble captured teardrop-shaped coma and dust tails.
The combination of multiple perspectives forms a complete panorama of the passage of 3I/ATLAS.
- Reddish coma indicates evolution of surface composition.
- Absence of outbursts until August 2025 suggests stable activity.
- Early detection of CO2 reinforces interstellar chemical differences.
- Hyperbolic trajectory confirms origin external to Sistema Solar.
Legacy of Parker images
The captures fill a critical observational gap near perihelion. Elas offer insights into ice sublimation and high-temperature gas release.
The comet continues to move away from Sistema Solar after approaching Earth.
