As the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS approaches its closest point to Earth on December 19, a network of scientists and citizen observers has ramped up efforts to monitor its trajectory. This initiative, coordinated by the United Nations’ International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), includes over 80 observatories globally and aims to enhance our understanding of such celestial bodies.
The comet is expected to come within approximately 167 million miles (270 million kilometers) of Earth, drawing significant interest from astronomers eager to analyze its features. James Bauer, a principal investigator at IAWN and a research professor at the University of Maryland, shared insights into the ongoing observation campaign, which will culminate in the publication of findings in a peer-reviewed journal next year.
The IAWN was established to improve technical capabilities for tracking near-Earth objects, providing a platform for testing new astrometry techniques on 3I/ATLAS. The campaign marks a milestone, as this is the first interstellar object tracked since the network began its operations in 2017. Past initiatives have included monitoring the potentially dangerous asteroid Apophis, with another observing campaign planned for its close pass in 2027-2029.
Bauer emphasized the significance of these campaigns, stating that they are not only about observation but also about fostering the latest techniques for tracking the paths of comets and asteroids. He noted the excitement surrounding 3I/ATLAS, which was discovered in late June and has proven to be an intriguing subject due to its classic cometary behaviors, such as exhibiting water and carbon dioxide.
The community’s enthusiastic participation is evident, with a record 171 campaign members engaged at the kickoff meeting in October. Interest in the campaign remains robust, as shown by the 100 participants in the recent mid-campaign teleconference.
Bauer expressed gratitude for the engagement from both trained astronomers and citizen scientists, highlighting how this collective effort helps refine the ability to monitor other potential near-Earth objects. Through this collaboration, astronomers strive to enhance vigilance and readiness to respond to future threats from space, maintaining a proactive stance toward planetary defense.