Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas Poses No Threat too Earth, Despite online Claims
GRONINGEN, NETHERLANDS – Recent social media posts predicting an alien invasion linked to the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas are unfounded, according to astronomers. While the comet is generating excitement within the scientific community due to its unique origins and unprecedented speed,it poses absolutely no threat to Earth or the city of Groningen.
Numerous online claims suggest the comet, described as a massive, strangely-shaped object accompanied by smaller “planes,” is poised to impact earth, possibly triggering an apocalypse. Though, Theo Jurriëns, an astronomer at the University of Groningen (RUG), assures the public, “When I look through the telescope, I don’t see anything approaching this.”
3I/atlas does exist and is currently being closely monitored by the European Space Agency (ESA). The comet originates outside our solar system – designated by the “I” in its name – and is the third interstellar object ever observed. ”Atlas” refers to the telescope program that initially detected it.
The comet is estimated to be several hundred meters to several kilometers in size and is traveling at a record-breaking speed of 210,000 kilometers per hour. ESA researchers estimate its age to be billions of years. Despite its velocity, ESA confirms the comet will not come closer than 240 million kilometers to Earth, and will pass Mars at a distance of 30 million kilometers. “It will be on the far side of the sun during its closest approach to Earth.So it is not risky,” ESA stated.
While a direct threat is ruled out, observers on Earth may be able to view the comet’s activity. As it approaches the sun, 3I/Atlas is exhibiting dust plumes and a halo due to the sublimation of frozen gases.
Scientists are keenly interested in studying 3I/Atlas,as it offers a rare glimpse into planetary systems beyond our own. “Interstellar comets are fully alien to our solar system. they carry clues about the formation of worlds far beyond our solar system,” ESA reports.
