3i/Atlas has Brightened Dramatically as the Biggest Burst of Solar Activity in Decades Ramps Up

Based on the observations of geophysicist Stefan Burns, the interstellar object 3I/Atlas has made its closest approach to the sun, dramatically brightening much more than typical solar system comets. This event coincided with a period of extreme solar activity, including massive coronal mass ejections from the sun's far side, many of which struck the object. The current solar activity is among the most intense in decades, and the responsible sunspots are now rotating to face Earth, potentially leading to significant geomagnetic storms here. These storms could disrupt power grids, satellites, and telecommunications. Meanwhile, 3I/Atlas has not deviated from its expected trajectory and is now on its path out of the solar system.