Report on Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Summary of Findings

A third interstellar object, designated 3I/ATLAS, has been detected within our solar system. The object, believed to be an ancient comet, provides a significant opportunity for scientific research that aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its study leverages advanced technological infrastructure (SDG 9), fosters international scientific partnerships (SDG 17), and offers unique educational outreach potential (SDG 4). The detection by a planetary defense system also underscores efforts to safeguard human communities (SDG 11).

Discovery and Physical Characteristics

The object was identified by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) and its interstellar nature was subsequently confirmed. Initial analysis has been revised, providing a clearer profile of the visitor.

• Discovery Date: July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS survey.
• Confirmation: July 2, 2025, by the Minor Planet Center.
• Initial Diameter Estimate: 20 kilometers.
• Revised Diameter Estimate: Approximately 10 kilometers.
• Classification: Believed to be an ancient comet, potentially predating our solar system. It is significantly larger than previously detected interstellar objects 1I/‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov.

Scientific Importance and Contribution to SDG 4 (Quality Education)

The study of 3I/ATLAS offers a tangible connection to another star system, carrying chemical information about its origin. This research is a valuable educational tool, promoting scientific literacy and interest in STEM fields, directly supporting the aims of SDG 4.

• Fostering Scientific Literacy: The event provides a platform to educate the public on astronomy, physics, and the scientific method.
• Educational Resources: Observational data and star charts are being shared, allowing amateur astronomers and students to engage directly with the discovery.
• Inspiring Future Generations: High-profile discoveries like 3I/ATLAS can inspire students to pursue careers in science and technology, building a knowledgeable workforce for future sustainable development.

Technological Innovation and Global Collaboration: Addressing SDG 9 and SDG 17

The detection and ongoing analysis of 3I/ATLAS are testaments to robust scientific infrastructure and the power of international cooperation. This aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by showcasing the value of investment in scientific technology, and with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the collaborative efforts of the global astronomical community.

Key Technological Assets (SDG 9)

1. Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS)
2. Hubble Space Telescope
3. Gemini North telescope (NOIRLab)
4. Very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) radio astronomy networks

International Partnerships (SDG 17)

• DiRAC Institute, University of Washington
• University of Oxford
• Minor Planet Center
• NOIRLab (NSF)
• European Space Agency (ESA)
• NASA / Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Planetary Defense and Safeguarding Humanity: A Link to SDG 11

The ATLAS system’s primary mission is to identify near-Earth objects that could pose an impact threat. The discovery of 3I/ATLAS, while not a threat, highlights the critical function of this infrastructure in protecting the planet. This work directly contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), specifically Target 11.4, by strengthening efforts to safeguard humanity from natural hazards, including those of cosmic origin.

Trajectory and Observational Data

The object’s trajectory confirms it is not gravitationally bound to our sun and originated from the Milky Way’s thick disk, a region of ancient stars.

1. Origin: The Milky Way’s thick disk, an area outside the galactic plane where our sun resides.
2. Perihelion (Closest approach to Sun): October 2025, at a distance of approximately 2 astronomical units (AU).
3. Velocity at Perihelion: Nearly 25,000 kilometers per hour (15,500 mph), a speed sufficient to escape the sun’s gravity.
4. Closest Approach to Earth: The object poses no danger, passing no closer than 150 million miles (240 million km).

Conclusion: Broader Implications for Sustainable Development

The study of interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is more than an astronomical curiosity; it is an exercise in sustainable development. It demonstrates the value of investing in scientific infrastructure, fosters the global partnerships necessary to tackle complex challenges, and provides educational opportunities that empower future generations. By expanding our understanding of the universe, we enhance our ability to protect and sustain our own world, reflecting the core principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article heavily focuses on the scientific infrastructure and technological innovation required for astronomical discoveries. It mentions advanced systems like the “ATLAS asteroid early warning system,” the “Hubble Space Telescope,” and the “Gemini North telescope,” which are all examples of sophisticated infrastructure driving scientific research and innovation.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This goal is relevant through its focus on disaster risk reduction. The article explicitly names the “Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS)” and mentions the European Space Agency’s work in “Planetary Defence.” These systems are designed to detect and provide warnings for near-Earth objects, directly contributing to the goal of making human settlements safer from potential impact disasters.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The discovery, confirmation, and ongoing study of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is a clear example of global scientific partnership. The article describes a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions across different countries, including the University of Washington (USA), the University of Oxford (UK), the Minor Planet Center (USA), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the international Gemini Observatory. This highlights the importance of international cooperation in advancing science and technology.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article contributes to public science education by disseminating complex astronomical findings in an accessible format. It features interviews with astronomers like Colin Orion Chandler and Matthew Hopkins, and provides educational content about comets, solar systems, and the galaxy. This work, supported by universities and research institutions, promotes scientific literacy, which is a component of quality education.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries…

   • The entire article is a testament to this target. The research on 3I/ATLAS, conducted by astronomers and physicists, is a direct form of “enhancing scientific research.” The use of advanced technologies like the “Hubble Space Telescope,” the “Gemini North telescope,” and “Very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) radio astronomy” demonstrates the “upgraded technological capabilities” being used to expand human knowledge.

2. Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected… caused by disasters…

   • This target is addressed by the mention of the “Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).” The purpose of such an “early warning system” is precisely to mitigate the risk of a disaster from a celestial impact, thereby protecting populations and infrastructure on Earth. The reference to the ESA’s “Planetary Defence” program further reinforces this connection.

3. Target 17.6: Enhance… international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing…

   • The article provides a practical example of this target in action. The discovery by ATLAS was confirmed by the Minor Planet Center, observed by the Hubble (a NASA/ESA collaboration) and Gemini North (an international partnership), and analyzed by researchers in the US and the UK. The public sharing of images and data from NOIRLab and ESA, as mentioned in the text, is a clear instance of “knowledge sharing.”

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for Target 9.5 (Enhance scientific research)

   • Qualitative Indicator: The existence and operation of advanced scientific research infrastructure. The article names several examples: the ATLAS system, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Gemini North telescope, and VLBI radio astronomy facilities. The successful discovery and analysis of 3I/ATLAS is a direct result of this infrastructure.
   • Qualitative Indicator: The number and activity of research personnel. The article names specific researchers (Colin Orion Chandler, Matthew Hopkins, Marshall Eubanks) and their affiliated institutions (University of Washington, University of Oxford, Space Initiatives), implying the presence of a skilled scientific workforce.

2. Indicators for Target 11.5 (Disaster risk reduction)

   • Implied Indicator: The existence of national and international disaster risk reduction strategies for celestial impacts. The article’s mention of the “ATLAS asteroid early warning system” and the ESA’s “Planetary Defence” program serves as a direct, tangible indicator that such strategies are being developed and implemented.

3. Indicators for Target 17.6 (International cooperation)

   • Implied Indicator: The number of joint scientific and technological programs. The article describes the collaborative effort to study 3I/ATLAS, which involves multiple international entities like NASA, ESA, the Gemini Observatory, and universities in different countries. This functioning network serves as an indicator of active international cooperation, even if formal agreements are not listed.

Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: earthsky.org