"3I/ATLAS" (also designated as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS)) is an interstellar comet detected on 1 July 2025 by the ATLAS survey telescope at RÃo Hurtado, Chile.
Its path is hyperbolic, i.e., it is not gravitationally bound to the Sun—it originated outside our Solar System and is merely passing through.
It is the third interstellar object to have been seen (following 1I/'Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov).
What the James Webb Telescope Actually Saw
On 6 August 2025, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) looked at 3I/ATLAS with its Near-Infrared Spectrograph instrument.
One of the key findings: the comet has a coma (the gas and dust cloud around the nucleus) highly enriched in carbon dioxide (CO₂), compared to water (H₂O), much richer than usual Solar System comets at similar distances from the Sun.
Also seen were water ice, carbon monoxide (CO), carbonyl sulfide (OCS), and dust.
Thus Webb validated intriguing chemical composition information, and that the comet is active (i.e. outgassing).
What the Orbit & Close Approaches Actually Are
Here's what researchers have worked out about the comet's trajectory, particularly in relation to Mars and other solar system objects:
3I/ATLAS will come closest to the Sun (perihelion) on approximately 29 October 2025 at a distance of ~1.36 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun — just within the orbit of Mars.
On 3 October 2025, it will have a flyby of Mars at a distance of approximately 0.19 AU (≈ 28 million km) — much too far to be on a "collision course."
Earth is safe: the comet's closest approach to Earth will be much farther (≈ 1.8 AU).
The comet will therefore pass "inside Mars's orbit" and come close to Mars in cosmic perspective, but it is not headed for a collision with Mars.
Where the False Claim Likely Comes From
The phrase "collision course with Mars" appears to result from misinterpretation or sensationalizing of:
The comet's path being "inside Mars' orbit" or "passing near Mars" (i.e. ~0.19 AU). Someone might have interpreted "passing near" as "impact imminent."
Observations such as those made by Mars orbiters or
spacecraft positioned to view the comet close to Mars, which may contribute to
speculation. But they are observation opportunities and not proof of collision.
Perhaps reading headlines, videos, or social media postings misstating or overstating scientific findings.
Scientific Consensus: No Collision
No credible scientific source exists supporting the contention that 3I/ATLAS is on a collision course with Mars. All orbital calculations indicate a comfortable miss.
The close approach distance (≈ 0.19 AU) is sufficiently big that Mars will not be affected.
NASA's and ESA's path forecasts and FAQ sites very clearly say that during the time 3I/ATLAS travels through the inner solar system and within Mars' orbit, it does not threaten Earth or Mars.
Why This Object is Still Significant
Although there is no collision hazard, there are many grounds astronomers are enthusiastic about 3I/ATLAS:
Elemental & compositional clues — The elevated CO₂/H₂O ratio, the presence of additional volatiles (CO, OCS, etc.) provide clues regarding its origin and what makes interstellar comets different (or similar) to Solar System comets.
Origins & history — Certain analyses indicate it could be from the Milky Way's "thick disk" and potentially vastly old (billions of years).
Observational windows — Spacecraft near Mars, and others in the Solar System, will have opportunities to observe the comet as it goes close by — enabling spectral, imaging, and potentially tail / coma studies challenging from Earth when it is close to the Sun.
Conclusion
The statement "James Webb Telescope Just CONFIRMED 3I/ATLAS Is On a COLLISION COURSE With Mars" is not true.
JWST has verified unusual composition of 3I/ATLAS, particularly high carbon dioxide in the coma, among other volatiles.
Orbital predictions reveal close approach to Mars but at around 0.19 AU: this is quite a distance away so Mars is not threatened.
This is typical of sensational headlines — they
exaggerate some genuine scientific data and spin it into something scary.
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