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3I/ATLAS: Interstellar Object Appears Without a Tail

10 November 20251 min read
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY3I/ATLAS:Interstellar ObjectAppears Without aTail10 November 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

New pictures of 3I/ATLAS show no cometary tail even though it is nearing the Sun, surprising astronomers. Reports describe it as about Manhattan-sized.

Key facts

  • Discovered: 1 July 2025, by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System), a US-run early-warning network with sites in Chile, South Africa and the US.
  • Latest images: R. Naves Observatory, Spain, 5 November 2025.
  • Shape and colour seem to shift, and its path and behaviour look unlike a usual comet.

About comets

A comet is a small solar system body of ice, dust and rock, nicknamed a dirty snowball.

Exam angle

  • Discovery system: ATLAS; rank: third interstellar object.

Test yourself

1. 3I/ATLAS is which numbered known interstellar object?

The notes call it the third known interstellar object.

2. Which system discovered 3I/ATLAS on 1 July 2025?

ATLAS, a US-based early warning network, discovered it.

3. Comets are often nicknamed what, owing to their ice, dust and rock?

The notes say comets are called dirty snowballs.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 9 & 10 November 2025 (13 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizNovember 2025

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