3I/ATLAS becomes the UN’s official target in a planetary-defence exercise: What makes this interstellar visitor worth a global campaign | – The Times of India

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has recently drawn significant global attention, sparking both fascination and debate among scientists and the general public. As it travels through our Solar System, a key question has emerged: is this observation purely scientific, or is it part of a formal, coordinated planetary-defence exercise? Despite involvement from international organisations, confusion has persisted, highlighting the need for clarity. Official documentation from the United Nations and the International Asteroid Warning Network confirms that 3I/ATLAS is indeed the focus of a structured planetary-defence campaign as reported by International Business Times.This initiative allows experts worldwide to test observation techniques, refine tracking methods, and strengthen global readiness against potential future Near-Earth Object threats. The exercise underscores both the comet’s scientific value and its role in global preparedness.

The United Nations and IAWN documentation clarifies that the 3I/ATLAS activity is formally recognised as the eighth IAWN observing exercise. This initiative, conducted under the International Asteroid Warning Network, forms part of a multi-year effort to strengthen global preparedness against Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).Discovered on 1 July 2025 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Chile, 3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through the Solar System. The exercise coincides with heightened public interest, underlining its importance.This campaign is not a hypothetical drill. It is a live, coordinated global exercise involving IAWN, the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG), and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). Established in 2014 following UN recommendations, IAWN acts as the central warning hub, responsible for detection and characterisation of potentially hazardous objects, while SMPAG coordinates planning for potential deflection missions.According to official statements, while 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth, it presents a unique opportunity for IAWN to conduct a practical observing exercise due to its visibility and scientific significance. The goal is to improve international coordination, refine tracking methodologies, and prepare for future celestial events that may pose greater risks.

The selection of 3I/ATLAS, formally designated C/2025 N1, is deliberate. Its interstellar trajectory and cometary characteristics offer technical challenges that are invaluable for planetary-defence training.Comets, unlike asteroids, have extended structures such as comae and tails, which complicate accurate astrometric measurements and orbit predictions. As highlighted in Minor Planet Electronic Circular (M.P.E.C.) 2025-U142, cometary bodies can shift centroid measurements away from their central brightness peak, making trajectory calculations more complex.By observing 3I/ATLAS, astronomers and planetary-defence experts refine methods for extracting precise astrometry from comet observations. This expertise ensures that if a genuinely hazardous object were detected in the future, the global scientific community could rapidly and accurately determine its path and potential impact.

The International Asteroid Warning Network announced the official observation window for 3I/ATLAS as running from 27 November 2025 through 27 January 2026. During this intensive two-month period, participating observatories worldwide will conduct coordinated measurements, testing the full capabilities of the planetary-defence framework and gathering critical data on the asteroid’s trajectory, composition, and potential impact risk to ensure global preparedness.Preparatory workshops were conducted to align participants on observation techniques and campaign objectives. The key dates for the campaign are:

This schedule ensures structured, global collaboration while allowing ample time for analysis, coordination, and verification of astrometric data.

The 3I/ATLAS campaign goes beyond technical training. It is a live demonstration of Earth’s readiness against cosmic threats, showing how international cooperation, advanced observation techniques, and diplomatic coordination combine to safeguard the planet.By targeting a non-threatening but scientifically complex interstellar comet, the exercise strengthens ties between space agencies, enhances observational precision, and tests communication protocols under real-world conditions. The collaboration between IAWN, SMPAG, and UNOOSA exemplifies the proactive measures required to address potential threats from NEOs.In essence, 3I/ATLAS represents both a scientific opportunity and a critical test of global planetary-defence infrastructure, highlighting the ongoing, coordinated efforts to protect Earth from future celestial hazards.Also Read | Understanding Cyclone Senyar: Why it was called ‘lion’ and how it could affect southern India