Overview

• 3I/ATLAS is racing through the inner Solar System at roughly 210,000 km/h on a hyperbolic path, marking it as the third confirmed interstellar object after ʻOumuamua and Borisov.
• A global network of ground-based observatories has initiated high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic monitoring of its nucleus, evolving coma and 25,000 km dust tail.
• Initial estimates place its diameter at 10–20 km, indicating it is larger than previous interstellar visitors.
• Orbital calculations confirm no risk of collision with Earth as 3I/ATLAS passes between Mars and Earth and remains observable until September.
• Agencies are developing next-generation survey capabilities with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and conceptualizing rapid-response missions to intercept future interstellar objects.