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CHRS: LATIN-1 2
                        Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                                 2025 July 7
   A drawing of our Solar System shows the orbits of Jupiter and interior
    planets. A white line shows the trajectory of passing comet 3I/ATLAS.
          Please see the explanation for more detailed information.

                         Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
                       Image Credit: NASA, JPL-Caltech

   Explanation: It came from outer space. An object from outside our Solar
   System is now passing through at high speed. Classified as a comet
   because of its gaseous coma, 3I/ATLAS is only the third identified
   macroscopic object as being so alien. The comet's trajectory is shown
   in white on the featured map, where the orbits of Jupiter, Mars, and
   Earth are shown in gold, red, and blue. Currently Comet 3I/ATLAS is
   about the distance of Jupiter from the Sun -- but closing, with its
   closest approach to our Sun expected to be within the orbit of Mars in
   late October. Expected to pass near both Mars and Jupiter, 3I/ATLAS is
   not expected to pass close to the Earth. The origin of Comet 3I/ATLAS
   remains unknown. Although initial activity indicates a relatively
   normal comet, future observations about 3I/ATLAS' composition and
   nature will surely continue.

             Piece it All Together: Astronomy Puzzle of the Day
                     Tomorrow's picture: stellar sisters
     __________________________________________________________________

       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.
                  NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices;
                      A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
                           NASA Science Activation
                             & Michigan Tech. U.

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