Overview
- The International Asteroid Warning Network opened a November 27–January 27 observing window to practice tracking techniques on the active interstellar visitor.
- NASA reiterated the scientific consensus that 3I/ATLAS is a natural comet, with senior official Amit Kshatriya stating it poses no threat to Earth.
- The comet’s closest approach to Earth is scheduled for December 19 at roughly 1.8 astronomical units, distant enough for safety yet accessible to small telescopes.
- ESA confirmed JUICE observed the object from November 2–25 with multiple instruments, with data return expected around February 2026 due to thermal and communications constraints.
- New amateur images highlight a coma, greenish glow, and a long sunward “anti-tail,” stoking public interest as a few commentators advance unproven artificial-origin claims disputed by agencies.