Tag: comet
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Scientists Scan 3I/ATLAS for Alien Signals: What the Results Show
Introduction When the first sightings of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS were announced, the world watched with a mix of curiosity and caution. Was this enigmatic traveler from another star system carrying clues about alien civilizations, or simply a rare natural wanderer weaving through our inner solar neighborhood? A growing consensus among scientists today is that…
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What 3I/ATLAS Teaches Us About Alien Signals and the Comet Debate
Background: The Arrival of 3I/ATLAS When astronomers first observed 3I/ATLAS in late 2019, the world was captivated by the prospect of an object that did not belong to our solar system. Tokmakian and colleagues promptly labeled it an interstellar visitor, sparking a flurry of analyses aimed at determining its nature. The initial excitement shifted quickly…
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10 Skywatching Highlights That Amazed Us in 2025
Introduction: A Year of Celestial Wonders 2025 offered a tapestry of skywatching moments that captivated observers around the world. From faint comets brightening to dramatic eclipses and shimmering auroras, the year reminded us that the night sky is a living, unfolding show. Here are ten moments that stood out for skywatchers in 2025. 1) A…
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ESA’s JUICE Mission Detects Increased Activity from 3I/ATLAS
JUICE Observes Unexpected Activity from a Visitor from Beyond the Solar System In a milestone for solar system exploration, the European Space Agency’s JUICE mission reported traces of increased activity from the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it emerged from behind the Sun and began its outward journey. The observations, gathered by JUICE’s suite of instruments…
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3I/ATLAS Interstellar Comet: NASA Facts and Findings
Introduction: A rare visitor from beyond the solar system Comet 3I/ATLAS, often simply called 3I/ATLAS, marked a rare moment in astronomical history. It was the third object observed to travel through our solar system from interstellar space, a sign that the cosmos constantly sends travelers from other stellar nurseries. NASA and other space agencies studied…
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Comet 3I/ATLAS: How to See the Interstellar Visitor Tonight
Overview: A rare interstellar visitor arrives at our night sky Comet 3I/ATLAS is making history again as it reaches its closest point to Earth in its current pass, skimming by at about 168 million miles (270 million kilometers). Discovered only recently, this interstellar object is a reminder that our solar system occasionally intersects with visitors…
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X-ray Glow from Interstellar Visitor 3I/ATLAS Reveals Hidden Solar Wind Dance
Two X-ray Perspectives Unveil a New View of Interstellar Travel An unprecedented discovery has put interstellar visitors in the spotlight: astronomers have detected a distinct X-ray glow from the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, extending about 250,000 miles into space. This marks the first time scientists have captured two separate X-ray views of a body that originated…
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3I/ATLAS Closest Approach Time: What You Need to Know
Setting the record straight on 3I/ATLAS There’s often confusion surrounding interstellar visitors like 3I/ATLAS (C/2017 U1). Recent questions about a “tonight” close approach can be exciting, but the science doesn’t align with a current, imminent encounter. 3I/ATLAS was first spotted in October 2017 as it streaked through the inner solar system on a hyperbolic trajectory,…
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Watching 3I/ATLAS: Free Livestream of the Interstellar Comet’s Closest Approach
What to Expect: The Closest Approach of Interstellar 3I/ATLAS On December 18, skywatchers around the world will have a rare chance to witness a visitor from beyond our solar system as interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS makes its closest approach to Earth. This is a fleeting event that will attract both seasoned astronomers and curious beginners. While…
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Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS wasn’t supposed to be there — meet the astronomer who discovered it
On the night everything changed For most observers, July 1, 2025 began like countless other evenings at the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy. Data streams arrived in quiet rhythm, signaling another routine sweep of the sky. But for senior software engineer and astronomer Larry Denneau, the moment carried an unfamiliar weight. A routine routine,…