Part 6/11:
Following its close approach to Mars, 3I/ATLAS began its perihelion—its nearest point to the Sun—raising fears it might disintegrate amid solar heating. However, the upcoming passage of the comet near Jupiter in March 2026 presents a new scientific opportunity. The immense gravity of Jupiter is expected to influence its trajectory and internal structure, providing clues about whether it behaves like a native solar system comet or retains some extraterrestrial signature.