The Gemini North telescope in Hawaii recently snapped a close-up of the comet that's captured the world’s attention.

The comet was discovered on July 1 by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope. Knowing where to look, Rubin’s team found observations of the comet from June 21. For this analysis, which awaits peer review, the astronomers have combined them with observations all the way to July 7.

Scientists are racing to learn as much as possible about the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS before it fades from view forever