Comet 3I/ATLAS Braces for Solar Impact, Again: A Celestial Drama Unfolds

Astronomers’ calculations indicate that a powerful release of solar plasma, recorded on the far side of the Sun on November 17th, is precisely directed towards the location of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. The impact is expected to occur on November 21st around 3:00 PM Moscow time. The long transit-nearly four days-is explained by the vast distance: the comet is currently approximately 143 million miles (230 million kilometers) from the Sun.

The comet 3I/ATLAS has already endured a series of hits in late October, when it passed almost directly behind the star. At that time, there were doubts about its robustness: interstellar bodies, unlike ordinary comets, do not have the experience of regular close encounters with the Sun. Nevertheless, the object emerged from behind the solar disk on time, albeit with noticeable changes in its orbit and brightness. Following this, solar activity had little effect on the body for a month, as activity shifted from the far solar side, where 3I/ATLAS is located, to the side facing Earth.

On the past week, the planet experienced two of the strongest solar flares of the year, as well as the second strongest geomagnetic storm in 5 years. Now, after a month, solar activity has shifted back to the far side and has resumed strikingly accurate hits on the comet, causing scientists to closely monitor its effects.

The Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute and the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics emphasizes the opportunity to observe the impact’s aftermath, as the comet is currently visible from Earth. Additionally, NASA is preparing for a special briefing on the situation, potentially unveiling implications for understanding interstellar comet compositions and behavior in extreme solar conditions.