A recent study indicates that NASA’s Juno probe could potentially intercept the newly discovered interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, also designated as C/2025 N1 ATLAS, when it passes near Jupiter on March 16, 2026. This opportunity arises from the comet’s trajectory, which was detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Rio Hurtado, Chile, on July 1, 2025. The detection of 3I/ATLAS marks the third recognized interstellar object to enter our Solar System, following ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019.
The interest in 3I/ATLAS has led to discussions about various mission proposals aimed at studying interstellar objects (ISOs) up close. Among these are Project Lyra, the Interstellar Object Explorer (IOE), and the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Comet Interceptor. In a groundbreaking paper, Prof. Abraham Loeb of Harvard University and his colleagues from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies (i4is), including Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl, have presented a compelling case for utilizing the Juno probe, which has been in orbit around Jupiter since 2016.
According to the research, the Juno spacecraft could adjust its trajectory to intercept 3I/ATLAS, providing an unprecedented opportunity to gather data about this enigmatic comet. The analysis suggests that a specific thrust application on September 14, 2025, could facilitate this maneuver. The close approach to Jupiter allows Juno to shift its orbit adequately to meet 3I/ATLAS.
The brightness of the comet implies it has a diameter of approximately 20 kilometers, based on its reflective properties. This finding raises intriguing questions about its origin and composition, particularly whether it might be an artificial object. As Prof. Loeb noted, the nature of 3I/ATLAS could shed light on the conditions present in other star systems, enriching our understanding of the cosmos.
The study also emphasizes that while 3I/ATLAS could be a natural comet, the possibility that it is a technological artifact cannot be overlooked. “Our paper is contingent on a remarkable but testable hypothesis that 3I/ATLAS is a functioning technological artifact,” Loeb stated. He acknowledged that exploring this hypothesis is important, given the potential implications for humanity should it prove correct.
To determine the best approach for Juno, the research team utilized advanced software tools to calculate optimal flight paths. They overcame the challenges of navigating Juno’s trajectory and determining the necessary velocities to achieve an intercept with 3I/ATLAS. By employing tools like the Optimum Interplanetary Trajectory Software (OITS) and other custom-developed programs, the team has created a detailed plan that could extend Juno’s mission beyond its scheduled end date of March 14, 2026.
The instruments aboard Juno, which include a near-infrared spectrometer and a visible light camera, are poised to gather a wealth of data during the close encounter. This data may offer insights into the comet’s composition and the conditions that existed when it formed, ultimately contributing to our understanding of the Solar System’s history.
Despite recent observations from the Hubble Space Telescope suggesting 3I/ATLAS has a nucleus smaller than previously estimated, the close passage of this interstellar comet remains a significant event. As it approaches the Sun, it will likely release gases through sublimation, providing further opportunities for study.
Regardless of its true nature, the potential encounter with 3I/ATLAS promises to be a significant milestone in space exploration, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of interstellar travel and the origins of celestial objects. The results of this mission could deepen our understanding of both the Solar System and the broader universe.
