Could We Probe an Interstellar Object Before It Zips Out of the Solar System?

Published on September 4, 2025
An image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, showing its yellow/blue coma against the jet-black backdrop of space

The recently discovered interstellar object 3I/Atlas is set for a close flyby of Mars in October, where it can be observed by orbiters around the planet.