Posted on 07/07/2025 11:54:05 AM PDT by MtnClimber
Explanation: It came from outer space. An object from outside our Solar System is now passing through at high speed. Classified as a comet because of its gaseous coma, 3I/ATLAS is only the third identified macroscopic object as being so alien. The comet's trajectory is shown in white on the featured map, where the orbits of Jupiter, Mars, and Earth are shown in gold, red, and blue. Currently Comet 3I/ATLAS is about the distance of Jupiter from the Sun -- but closing, with its closest approach to our Sun expected to be within the orbit of Mars in late October. Expected to pass near both Mars and Jupiter, 3I/ATLAS is not expected to pass close to the Earth. The origin of Comet 3I/ATLAS remains unknown. Although initial activity indicates a relatively normal comet, future observations about 3I/ATLAS' composition and nature will surely continue.
For more detail go to the link and click on the image for a high definition image. You can then move the magnifying glass cursor then click to zoom in and click again to zoom out. When zoomed in you can scan by moving the side bars on the bottom and right side of the image.
🪐 🌟 🌌 🍔
I guess we’ll have to wait until late October to get any meaningful data, however sparse it may be.
Halley’s Comet has a better story - and I remember seeing it in 1986, which will be a once-in-as-lifetime for me. I’ve also seen Hale-Bopp in 1997 and I cannot for the LIFE of me remember the one that was so bright and visible just a few years ago. We watched that one for a full week! Help?
Halley’s Comet
“Short-period comet visible from Earth every 75–76 years
Halley’s Comet is the only known short-period comet that is consistently visible to the naked eye from Earth, appearing every 72–80 years, though with the majority of recorded apparitions occurring after 75–77 years. It last appeared in the inner parts of the Solar System in 1986 and will next appear in mid-2061.
Officially designated 1P/Halley, it is also commonly called Comet Halley, or sometimes simply Halley. Halley’s periodic returns to the inner Solar System have been observed and recorded by astronomers around the world since at least 240 BC, but it was not until 1705 that the English astronomer Edmond Halley understood that these appearances were re-appearances of the same comet.”
From Wikipedia
I wonder if this one will accelerate on the way out like oumuamua did.
Kohoutek?
From northern Wisconsin:
I hope Tolian Soran isn’t around.
That was a dud
No worries - there will be 2 more of them.
Here is a map of the current comets
https://theskylive.com/comets
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