A comet from another star system is making its way past Mars this Friday. This comet, named 3I/Atlas, will zoom within 18 million miles (29 million kilometers) of the red planet—its nearest approach during its journey through our solar system. And it’s fast—traveling at a speed of 193,000 mph (310,000 kph).
The European Space Agency has its satellites trained on this interstellar visitor, getting ready to capture images. NASA is also set up with a satellite and rovers on Mars to help monitor the event. Discovered in July, the comet doesn’t pose any risk to Earth or nearby planets. It will reach its closest point to the sun later in October and will be observed by ESA’s Juice spacecraft as it heads toward Jupiter.
In December, 3I/Atlas will pass Earth at a distance of 167 million miles (269 million kilometers). Recent observations from the Hubble Space Telescope estimate the comet’s nucleus to be between 1,444 feet (440 meters) and 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) wide.
Comets like 3I/Atlas give us a glimpse into the early solar system. They contain ancient materials that can shed light on how planets formed. As scientists study this comet, they hope to understand more about its origins and what it can tell us about other star systems.
In the past, comets have sparked excitement and curiosity. For example, Halley’s Comet, visible from Earth every 76 years, has been documented for centuries. Now, we have the technology to study these celestial bodies closely, thanks to satellites and telescopes.
Social media is buzzing with excitement about this comet. Astronomy enthusiasts are sharing their predictions and observations, creating a lively online discussion. With public interest in comets rising, more people are becoming aware of how these cosmic travelers add to our understanding of the universe.
If you want to learn more about the scientific significance of comets, the European Space Agency provides extensive resources on space exploration and ongoing missions.
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Science, Technology, Aerospace and defense industry, Space exploration, Spacecraft, Planets, Astronomy, Meteors and meteorites, Article, 126151147
