The United Nations has launched a planetary defense exercise involving Comet 3I/ATLAS

The United Nations (UN) has officially selected the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as the target of global planetary protection training. This was reported on November 27 by the GULF News newspaper.

The campaign began on November 27 and will last until January 27, 2026. The observation exercise is aimed at verifying the world's readiness to detect, track, and analyze objects approaching Earth and interstellar objects using 3I/ATLAS as a "live test."

The hyperbolic orbit of Comet 3I/ATLAS is unique among known comets and asteroids, and also confirms that it came from outside the solar system. Since its opening, the world's space agencies and observatories have launched an unprecedented observation campaign. More than a dozen NASA spacecraft and telescopes have captured images and data of the comet as it passed through the inner solar system.

The European Space Agency also used data from Martian orbits to significantly refine the predicted path of the comet. Scientists say that since 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar object, its composition and behavior may differ from comets forming in the solar system. This provides a unique window for exploring other star systems.

Asteroids and asteroids: should we be afraid of celestial bodies

The scientist told why earthlings should not be afraid of collisions with space objects.

Research shows that 3I/ATLAS may contain volatile ices and dust typical of cometary bodies, which allows scientists to compare its composition with those formed around the Sun.

As the comet's path continues, the results of this campaign should help in future monitoring, cataloging, and responding to interstellar and near-Earth objects.

The space agencies agree that 3I/ATLAS poses no threat, but as a rare interstellar visitor, the comet provides a real opportunity to strengthen global preparedness for space threats.

Earlier, on November 27, the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy at the Institute of Space Research (IKI RAS) reported the observation of a rare dust antelope at 3I/ATLAS. It was clarified that anti-tails are usually observed in simple comets, the scientific explanation is a thin dust trail that is clearly visible when the Earth passes through the plane of the orbit of a space object.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.