Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Comet 3I/ATLAS passed its nearest point to Earth early Friday and approaching within 168 million miles.
After its brief visit Friday the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS will head back toward the outer solar system before continuing its journey through the Milky Way, according to scientists.
3I/ATLAS was only the third known interstellar object to enter our solar system, following 'Oumuamua in 2017 and Borisov in 2019.
Its arrival gave scientists a rare chance to study the building blocks of distant comets and planets.
NASA first detected the object in July, tracing its path b
After its brief visit Friday the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS will head back toward the outer solar system before continuing its journey through the Milky Way, according to scientists.
3I/ATLAS was only the third known interstellar object to enter our solar system, following 'Oumuamua in 2017 and Borisov in 2019.
Its arrival gave scientists a rare chance to study the building blocks of distant comets and planets.
NASA first detected the object in July, tracing its path b
2 days ago
