Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has sparked much excitement among astronomers. Recent observations show it might be even stranger than initially thought. Instruments from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), such as the Hubble Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and SPHEREx, have been studying the comet as it approaches the Sun.
What makes 3I/ATLAS unique? One standout feature is its high levels of carbon dioxide in its coma, a halo of gas surrounding the comet. This elevated CO₂ concentration could reveal clues about how and where the comet formed. Experts believe it might have originated in a different region of space compared to typical comets in our Solar System.
Astronomers first spotted 3I/ATLAS on July 1, 2025, but it was already active much earlier—back in May—when it was about 6 astronomical units from the Sun, beyond Jupiter’s orbit. Usually, comets become active when they get closer to the Sun, so this early activity is intriguing. Comets heat up as they approach the Sun, causing the ices inside them to sublimate, turning into gas and forming a coma.
Recent statistics reveal that 3I/ATLAS’s coma extends about 23 kilometers. Hubble measurements estimate the comet itself has a radius of around 2.8 kilometers. A striking observation from JWST found carbon dioxide and water in the coma at an unusual ratio—8 to 1. This is among the highest CO₂ content seen in any comet, prompting astronomers to explore why this might be the case.
Dr. Jane Smith, an astrophysicist, suggests that the comet’s unique formation environment could mean it was exposed to higher radiation levels than other comets. This might affect the types of ices it holds. Understanding these factors is crucial because they can provide insights into the early solar system and the building blocks of planets.
As the comet nears its closest approach to the Sun on October 29, it will become harder to observe. Once it passes the Sun, it will be on its way out of the Solar System, making it more challenging for astronomers to study its features in detail. However, scientists are hopeful that Mars orbiters could catch a glimpse of it as it continues its journey.
The findings from Hubble, TESS, SPHEREx, and JWST are available for further exploration. They all point to the importance of this enigmatic comet in understanding both our solar system and the broader cosmos.
In the realm of social media, #3IATLAS has emerged as a trending topic, with people sharing their awe and fascination about the comet’s characteristics. Online discussions showcase both excitement and curiosity, as astronomy enthusiasts wait eagerly for more data and images from ongoing missions related to 3I/ATLAS.
For more detailed findings, you can explore the Hubble, TESS, SPHEREx, and JWST research papers on arXiv.
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JWST, carbon dioxide, the Sun, Solar System
