New images from the Gemini South telescope show comet 3I-Atlas, an interstellar visitor, developing a longer tail as it approaches the sun. The images, released Thursday, are the most detailed yet, revealing a growing coma and tail. This is only the third interstellar object observed in our solar system. The comet will reach its closest point to the sun in late October and its closest approach to Earth in December, remaining a safe distance away.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.