Overview

• Deep Gemini South imaging now resolves a broad coma and a distinct tail, and spectroscopy provides first chemical clues with early analyses suggesting an unusual CO2‑rich mix that remains preliminary.
• Mid‑September observations indicate the object is brightening faster than simple expectations, signaling heightened activity that may vary in the coming weeks.
• NASA small‑bodies lead Tom Statler says the totality of observations overwhelmingly supports a natural comet, countering artificial‑origin claims.
• Peer‑reviewed results using NASA TESS precovery data show 3I/ATLAS was already active in May and underwent a rapid early brightening before its official July detection.
• Mars‑orbiting cameras are preparing to image the October 3 pass, with key waypoints to follow at late‑October perihelion and a December 19 closest approach to Earth.