Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar visitor potentially 7 billion years old, offers scientists a unique opportunity to study material from a time period called "cosmic noon." However, its perihelion passage will be hidden from Earth-based telescopes. Researchers propose using spacecraft like NASA's Psyche and ESA's JUICE, currently en route to other destinations, to observe 3I/ATLAS up close. These spacecraft, along with Mars orbiters, could provide invaluable data during the comet's closest approach to the sun. This presents a rare chance to study material significantly older than our solar system.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.