SMRTR Science & EngineeringDec 14, 2025Live Science

Comet 3I/ATLAS is getting greener and brighter as it approaches Earth, new images reveal

SMRTR summary

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has dramatically brightened and turned green as it approaches Earth, with new telescope images showing intense activity following its close solar encounter in October. The green glow comes from carbon molecules released as solar heat causes the comet's ice to sublimate, potentially triggering explosive outbursts when it reaches its closest Earth approach on December 19.

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