The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing for a unique opportunity to study the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas from what could be the best vantage point in the solar system.

Astronomers made the rare and extraordinary discovery of an interstellar object in our own solar system on July 1, 2025, sparking a scramble to study the mysterious visitor. The object has since been named comet 3I/ATLAS, where 3I stands for "third interstellar," and designated C/2025 N1 (ATLAS).

As it turns out, it may be observations from Mars, not Earth, that give us our closest look at the comet. 3I/ATLAS will come as close as around 18.6 million miles (30 million kilometers) to Mars, while it will only come within 168 million miles (270 million km) of Earth. That means spacecraft orbiting Mars are in play.

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