Exploring the Mysteries of 3I/ATLAS: Stunning Spacecraft Images of a Rare Interstellar Wonder

Comet 3I/ATLAS is currently on the far side of the sun from Earth. But don’t worry! Several spacecraft are in great spots to study it up close. As 3I/ATLAS approaches the sun, it grows and changes, capturing the public’s imagination. It’s one of only three known celestial objects from outside our solar system to come this close to Earth.

Recently, two spacecraft orbiting Mars were able to capture images of this fascinating comet. Here’s the latest on 3I/ATLAS and what we know so far.

What is Comet 3I/ATLAS?

3I/ATLAS was making headlines back in July when it was confirmed to have come from beyond our solar system. When discovered, it zoomed through space at about 137,000 miles per hour and is expected to speed up even more as it approaches the sun. The Minor Planet Center recorded its observation, confirming it as a comet.

Images from Mars Orbiters

From October 1-7, the spacecraft Mars Express and ExoMars captured images of 3I/ATLAS. The comet passed by Mars at a distance of about 18.6 million miles. Though the orbiters focused on Mars, they struggled to get sharp images of the comet from such a great distance.

In photographs from ExoMars, 3I/ATLAS appears as a fuzzy dot. Scientists are still examining these images for more details.

Colin Wilson, a project manager for both missions at the ESA, expressed excitement about the unexpected opportunity to study the comet. “I look forward to seeing what the data reveals,” he shared.

Upcoming Photos of 3I/ATLAS

The next set of photos will be taken by the ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, known as “Juice,” between November 2-25. By then, 3I/ATLAS is expected to be very active as it nears the sun. However, scientists won’t see these images until around February since Juice is on the opposite side of the solar system.

Why is 3I/ATLAS Important?

3I/ATLAS is significant because it is on a hyperbolic orbit, meaning it will eventually leave our solar system, never to return. That’s why scientists are eager to study it. This comet carries materials formed around another star, providing insights into the building blocks of different solar systems.

A variety of telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope, has already gathered valuable data. Recent observations estimate the size of its icy nucleus to be between 1,000 feet and 3.5 miles wide.

The James Webb Space Telescope and the SPHEREx mission have also contributed to understanding the comet’s properties and chemical makeup. Notably, a ground-based telescope in Chile recently observed the comet’s growing tail as it approached the sun.

A Brief History

3I/ATLAS isn’t the first interstellar object to be spotted. The first was Oumuamua, discovered in 2017. It was followed by Comet Borisov in 2019.

How Close Will 3I/ATLAS Get to Earth?

The closest approach of 3I/ATLAS will be around 170 million miles from Earth, while it will come within 130 million miles of the sun on October 30. For comparison, the sun is about 93 million miles away from us.

Comet vs. Asteroid

Asteroids are rocky remnants from the formation of our solar system, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Comets, like 3I/ATLAS, have icy nuclei and develop tails of gas and dust as they approach the sun. This distinguishes them from asteroids.

3I/ATLAS is truly a wonder of our universe, bringing new insights into space that spans thousands of light-years. This comet’s continued journey will undoubtedly unveil more mysteries of the cosmos.

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solar system, Interstellar object, Mars Express, interstellar space, Earth