A new image of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, allegedly released by Japan’s space agency, has stirred excitement and debate among astronomy lovers and researchers worldwide. A viral post circulating online claims that the image was created using a combination of spectral and imaging data, offering what could be the most realistic visual of the comet to date. While the authenticity of the image has not yet been officially confirmed by any space authority, it has reignited global interest in the mysterious 3I/ATLAS comet, its interstellar origin, trajectory, and visibility from Earth.
Recognized by both NASA and ESA as an interstellar object, 3I/ATLAS remains one of the most closely monitored celestial bodies of 2025. The latest claims have sparked curiosity within the scientific community, as enthusiasts eagerly await official confirmation and more data about this rare cosmic traveler passing through our solar system.
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A user on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) shared an image claiming, “Japan’s space agency has released a possible image of 3I/ATLAS created using imagery and spectrum analysis, the most realistic visual available so far.”
Officials have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the viral image, but it has once again sparked global curiosity about the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.
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How NASA Discovered the Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
The comet 3I/ATLAS was first discovered on July 1, 2025, by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope located in Rio Hurtado, Chile. According to the NASA Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), the comet’s orbit traces back beyond our solar system, confirming that it is an interstellar object — meaning it originated from outside our Sun’s gravitational field.
NASA revealed that 3I/ATLAS is the third known interstellar visitor, following 1I/‘Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019). In its name, the letter “I” stands for “interstellar,” while the number “3” marks its order of discovery.
Cosmic Path of 3I/ATLAS: From Deep Space to Our Solar System
Experts explain that 3I/ATLAS follows a hyperbolic orbital path, proving that it doesn’t orbit the Sun like other comets. Instead, it is passing through our solar system only once, and will never return after leaving. This rare journey makes 3I/ATLAS one of the most fascinating cosmic visitors ever observed.
The European Space Agency (ESA) describes interstellar comets like 3I/ATLAS as “outsiders,” meaning they carry traces and materials from faraway star systems. While all planets, moons, and comets in our solar system were formed from the same cloud of gas and dust, objects like 3I/ATLAS come from completely different regions of space — making them rare and scientifically valuable.
3I/ATLAS Movement and Visibility
The comet 3I/ATLAS is traveling at an incredible speed of over 210,000 kilometers per hour, far too fast to be pulled in by the Sun’s gravity. After making its closest approach to the Sun on October 30, 2025, it is now moving away and slowly becoming visible in the morning sky.
From early November, skywatchers can try to spot the comet near the eastern horizon before sunrise. It won’t be visible to the naked eye, but those using a medium-sized telescope should be able to see it.
During November and December 2025, 3I/ATLAS will remain visible in the early morning sky as it continues its journey through our solar system. Its closest approach to Earth was around 1.8 astronomical units, which is roughly 270 million kilometers away.