What Are 3i Atlas & SWAN?

The term 3i Atlas most commonly refers to comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), a long-period comet that became exceptionally bright and visible to the naked eye as it passed near Earth in 2024 and 2025. It was discovered independently by telescopes at the Purple Mountain Observatory (Tsuchinshan or Zijinshan Observatory) and the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), hence the combined name.

C/2025 R2 (SWAN), a more recently visible body of a closer origin, exhibits several characteristics that, while not considered "anomalies" in the same way as 3I/ATLAS, are considered unusual or interesting to astronomers. Its behavior is consistent with that of a natural comet but highlights the unpredictability of these objects.

Join a focused discussion on the A3 Atlas & SWAN Phenomena, an emerging topic that has drawn significant attention for its potential impact on science & the arts. This gathering aims to bring together interested participants to share insights, explore perspectives, and consider the broader implications of the phenomenon.

The session will include news briefs & a discussion of the snopes critique followed by an open conversation where participants can exchange ideas and raise questions. Your expertise, insights & feedback will be tested by our criteria of the hierarchies of evidence & (dis) agreement.