A Cosmic Visitor Approaches!

Mark your calendars! The European Space Agency (ESA) is gearing up for an extraordinary chance to observe the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which will dazzle as it sweeps by Mars next month!

A Unique Perspective from Mars

Discovered on July 1, 2025, 3I/ATLAS became the third interstellar object to enter our solar system. This remarkable comet is expected to come within a mere 18.6 million miles (30 million kilometers) of Mars, a much closer approach than its 168 million miles (270 million kilometers) distance from Earth.

ESA’s Exciting Plans to Observe

Colin Frank Wilson, Project Scientist for ESA's Mars orbiters, confirmed plans to track 3I/ATLAS as it makes its closest approach to Mars on October 3, 2025. ESA’s Mars Express and the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) will be the spacecraft on the lookout.

Wilson excitedly noted, "We can confirm that we are planning to observe 3I/ATLAS around the time of its closest approach. This date will provide a fantastic opportunity to gather valuable data on this cosmic wanderer!"

What To Expect? A Glimpse into the Unknown!

Using the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on Mars Express, scientists hope to capture images that may reveal the comet’s shape—whether it’s elongated, spherical, or anything in between. The previous interstellar visitor, 1I/'Oumuamua, was elongated and tougher to analyze, while 2I/Borisov resembled a typical comet.

With CaSSIS on TGO, researchers aim to delve into 3I/ATLAS's volatile activities and composition. Wilson highlighted the ambition to identify molecular signatures such as water vapor or organics, although the brightness of the signal remains uncertain.

More Eyes on the Prize!

Not only ESA, but several other spacecraft orbiting Mars are also sharpening their instruments for this galactic event. NASA’s MAVEN and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), and even China’s Tianwen-1, equipped with a high-resolution camera, could potentially provide further data.

Future ‘Cosmic Chasers’

ESA's ambitious Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), set to reach the Jovian system by 2031, also aims to capture sightings of 3I/ATLAS, promising a myriad of fascinating observations.

Additionally, plans are in motion for other spacecraft, including Europa Clipper and Hera, to potentially pass through the comet’s tail after it approaches the sun, promising even more intriguing discoveries.

Don’t Miss This Celestial Event!

As 3I/ATLAS heads our way, the excitement and anticipation grow! This interstellar comet is a glimpse into the cosmos, offering possibilities to learn more about these celestial travelers that share our solar neighborhood. Stay tuned for what promises to be a spectacular event in the sky!