Time for an interstellar flyby! Meet 3i/ATLAS, a very old comet

By Gabriel J. Sánchez,

Hosts, Justine Kenin

Published October 29, 2025 at 4:17 PM EDT

Scientists are observing the skies as the comet 3i/ATLAS makes a close flyby of Earth.

Gabriel J. Sánchez

Gabriel J. Sánchez is a producer for NPR's All Things Considered. Sánchez identifies stories, books guests, and produces what you hear on air. Sánchez also directs All Things Considered on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hosts

Justine Kenin

Justine Kenin is an editor on All Things Considered. She joined NPR in 1999 as an intern. Nothing makes her happier than getting a book in the right reader's hands – most especially her own.

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

The East Wing gave women a space to thrive in the White House…here's why

Kaity Kline

First intended as an entrance for social events, the East Wing became the first lady's office space. Historians say the shift was a key part of professionalizing staff for the president's wife.
NPR News

Trump says South Korea will build a nuclear submarine in the U.S.

Deepa Shivaram

It's unclear what the timeline for such a project would be. The announcement follows trade negotiations between the countries, including Korean investment in U.S. shipbuilding.
How the town of Cortina, Italy, is preparing to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics

Kyle McKinnon

Residents of Cortina, Italy, worry about the effects of the 2026 Winter Olympics on their town.
Sen. Peter Welch on efforts in Congress to fund SNAP amid the shutdown

Sarah Handel

NPR's Juana Summers talks with Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont about his support for a bill to provide SNAP benefits to recipients in spite of the shutdown.
The 'clippers' who make internet stars viral

Jeffrey Pierre

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with Bloomberg digital culture reporter Cecilia D'Anastasio about an emerging industry of video editing -- designed to help content creators go viral online.