On Sept. 7, 2025, a total lunar eclipse turned the moon blood red, providing dark skies that allowed astronomers in Namibia to capture images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.

The comet, only the third confirmed interstellar object, appeared green—possibly due to diatomic carbon released from melting ice or other unfamiliar molecules.

Its unique glow and chemistry offer scientists a rare chance to study material from another star system, though many aspects of 3I/ATLAS remain mysterious, Space.com has reported.