The "3I/ATLAS" was discovered on July 1st through the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) network of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Rio Hurtado, Chile. This is the third known interstellar object to pass through the solar system. The previously confirmed interstellar objects are 'Oumuamua (1I/Oumuamua)' from 2017 and the comet 'Borisov (2I/Borisov)' from 2019.
Known as "C/2025 N1" as well, "3I/ATLAS" is clearly a comet, and this image was captured by the large Gemini North telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The left panel tracks the comet's appearance as it crosses the sky through continuous exposure, comparing it to fixed background stars. Three different filters were used, and it appears in red, green, and blue.
The right panel combines multiple exposures to form a single image of the comet. The interstellar origin of the comet is clearly indicated by its orbit. This orbit is a highly elongated hyperbolic trajectory that does not circle the sun but returns to interstellar space after passing by the sun.
There is no threat to Earth, and currently, this interstellar object is within the orbit of Jupiter around the sun. At its closest point to the sun, it will reach within the orbit of Mars.