Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Makes Rare Close Pass by Earth

Astronomers Report "Alien Spaceship" Approaching Earth

Scientists from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory at Russia's Space Research Institute (IKI RAS) have shared new details about the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, which is nearing our planet.

Researchers at the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IKI RAS) have revealed further details about the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS as it approaches Earth.

According to scientists, the object—dubbed an "alien spacecraft" by UFO enthusiasts due to its unusual properties—will remain invisible to the naked eye even at its closest approach, RIA Novosti reports.

"As of today, the apparent magnitude of 3I/ATLAS is around 11–12," the researchers wrote in the RAS Telegram channel.

To observe even the comet's nucleus, they explained, a telescope with an aperture of at least 120 millimeters and some astronomical expertise will be required.

The astronomers also clarified the timeline of the upcoming flyby. Though the official date of closest approach is marked for December 19, the object has already reached its minimum distance from Earth—271 million kilometers.

Over the next few days, its position will remain nearly unchanged, as it "hangs" at this distance for two to three days before beginning its retreat toward Jupiter.

As previously reported by Svobodnaya Pressa, the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS has once again surprised scientists.