The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission has captured detailed images of interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, providing scientists with valuable data as the comet continues its journey away from the Sun. The images, taken on November 6, 2025, reveal the comet’s coma and tail just seven days after its closest approach to the Sun on October 29-30, 2025.
First detected in June 2025 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Chile, 3I/Atlas is only the third interstellar object confirmed to be traveling through our solar system. The International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center subsequently verified its interstellar origin. Scientists are particularly interested in studying the comet’s composition, as it offers a rare opportunity to analyze material from star systems beyond our own.
Although the comet has faded from clear view for Earth-based observers, JUICE was able to obtain 120 images using its JANUS camera. These images show a bright halo of gas surrounding the comet’s nucleus, along with a distinct tail stretching into space. The probe directed five of its instruments toward the object, gathering clues about its behavior and composition.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) are hoping to learn more about the water contained within 3I/Atlas using the data collected by JUICE. The comet reached its closest point to the Sun on October 30, 2025, and was approximately 270 million km (168 million miles) from Earth on December 19, 2025, according to observations.
Despite initial public interest and speculation, scientists have confirmed that 3I/Atlas poses no threat to Earth. The comet is currently drifting away from the Sun and further observations are planned as JUICE continues its eight-year journey to Jupiter.
