The 3I/ATLAS spaceship has stunned scientists by blazing through our solar system on the most extreme, stretched-out orbit ever recorded, confirming it comes from far beyond the sun

The object, first detected in July, is only the third known interstellar comet ever observed. Its reemergence marks the first opportunity for optical imaging since it became obscured by solar glare during its close pass to the sun in late October.

Could a comet be concealing an engine? That is the question now hovering over 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through our Solar System, after scientists detected a non‑gravitational acceleration and a striking blue coloration near its closest approach to the Sun.

Most comets are white, yellow, blue, and occasionally green-but a rare golden comet is now gracing the sky. Dubbed C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), the icy visitor was discovered in May 2025 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System.

Two weeks ago, it was hidden behind the Sun, far out of sight. Last week, it reached perihelion, the closest point it will ever get to the Sun. Now, Comet 3I/ATLAS is back and this time, it can be seen from Earth.

This first optical post-perihelion image of comet 3I/ATLAS gave astronomers a rare glimpse into the behavior and composition of one of the most unusual visitors ever to pass through our solar system.

I/ATLAS showed signs of non-gravitational acceleration as it passed near the sun, attracting global scientific attention. Harvard Institute’s Avi Loeb spoke with NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz to discuss these new discoveries.