Images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS taken during the total lunar eclipse on September 7 suggest it might be glowing green. This isn’t unusual for comets, as many display this color when they heat up and release vapor. However, the chemical data we’ve gathered shows that 3I/ATLAS has very little dicarbon (C₂), the molecule typically responsible for that green glow.
So, why is it glowing? It’s possible that C₂ is present but hasn’t been detected yet. There may also be a different molecule creating the green hue. Scientists still have quite a bit to learn about this comet’s chemistry.
Interestingly, the comet has shown a blue-green gas coma stretching 2.5 arcminutes across, and a short tail was spotted on September 9. These observations were made by astrophotographers Gerald Rhemann and Michael Jäger in Namibia.
As comets approach the Sun, their icy nuclei begin to release gases, creating a glowing atmosphere called a coma. It’s like a cosmic fog, with molecules lighting up in response to solar radiation, producing a spectrum of visible light.
Recent studies using the James Webb Space Telescope revealed that 3I/ATLAS has an unusual mix of chemicals, including a higher-than-average amount of carbon dioxide. Other elements like nickel and cyanogen have also been identified, but these do not usually contribute to a green glow.
A recent paper by astronomer Luis Salazar Manzano from the University of Michigan adds another twist. It suggests that the early detection of cyanogen indicates a significant shortage of carbon-chain molecules, including C₂ and C₃. This finding places 3I/ATLAS among the comets with the least carbon-chain compounds known to date.
This poses an exciting puzzle for scientists. As 3I/ATLAS nears its closest approach to Earth in December, researchers are eager to gather more data and hopefully unravel the mysteries surrounding this unique comet.
The excitement around 3I/ATLAS reflects a growing interest in celestial events. Social media has been buzzing with images and discussions, making it clear that people around the world are captivated by this interstellar visitor.
For more detailed insights into cometary compositions, you can explore this NASA article on comets.
The anticipation builds as we watch and wait for the answers to emerge as 3I/ATLAS continues its journey through our Solar System.
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