the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas recently reached its perihelion, the point at which it is closest to the sun. It will now move away from the star at about 210,000 kilometers per hour until it escapes from the solar system.
Since its anomalous composition and age are evidence of its extrasolar origin, astronomers have a unique opportunity in front of them. Comet 3I/Atlas (which, contrary to some reports, did not activate the planetary defense protocol) will leave the system in January 2026 and never return. Fortunately, scientists have already accurately calculated its trajectory and are certain about its future behavior.
A simulation of the path 3I/Atlas will take through the solar system.