The UN, responding to new high-resolution photos of the mysterious interstellar comet 31/ATLAS, has officially activated elements of Earth’s Planetary Defenses, launching a two-month global tracking effort that has ignited both scientific excitement and conspiracy theories.
Despite NASA and international agencies insisting the object is not a threat, the unprecedented nature of the drill—and the comet’s strange behavior—has pushed 31/ATLAS into global headlines.
Scientists began the coordinated campaign on November 27, and the drill will continue until January, long after 31/ATLAS reaches its closest point to Earth on December 19.
Space object 31/ATLAS officially subject of planetary defence exercise, UN says | UK | News | Express.co.uk
UN Confirms Planetary Defenses Drill as 31/ATLAS Approaches Earth
According to the United Nations and the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN)—operated by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs—the incoming 31/ATLAS comet will serve as a full-scale test for Earth’s Planetary Defenses.
IAWN stated the decision was prompted by the comet’s extended observability, unusual trajectory, and intense public interest.
