3I/ATLAS Hits Closest Approach in 4 Days — Is it a THREAT? скачать в хорошем качестве

3I/ATLAS Hits Closest Approach in 4 Days — Is it a THREAT?

Today, December 15, 2025, comet 3I/ATLAS is closer to Earth than ever before. But is it dangerous to us? Let's examine the most recent data obtained over the last 24 hours and delve into this mysterious interstellar visitor—the third confirmed object to arrive from beyond our Solar System. Over the past day, astronomers have recorded several changes in the comet's behavior based on observations from ground-based telescopes and space missions. According to updated images from December 14, the glow around 3I/ATLAS has undergone a transformation: instead of the characteristic green hue caused by gas ionization, it has taken on a softer golden tone, indicating the dominance of dust particles in the coma. This phenomenon is typical for comets in the phase of waning activity, where heavier particles linger, forming a smooth contour. For an interstellar object, this evolution highlights its adaptation to solar radiation after a long journey through interstellar space, without sharp flares or fragmentation. Data from December 14-15 also confirm the development of an "anti-tail"—a structure directed toward the Sun, which is atypical for Solar System comets and can be explained by an optical effect from the observation perspective or the ejection of fine particles. New images show a change in the direction of this tail as it approaches Earth, which may be related to gas-dust ejection dynamics. Spectroscopic analysis has revealed an unusual chemical composition, including new molecules released upon heating, distinguishing 3I/ATLAS from local comets and providing insights into materials from another star system.