New research explores the exciting possibility of sending spacecraft to Comet 3I/ATLAS. Discovered on July 1 by the ATLAS system, this comet is only the third known object from outside our solar system. It offers a rare chance to study materials that could be billions of years older than our sun and its planets.
3I/ATLAS likely originates from an ancient part of the Milky Way, potentially dating back 7 billion years. This means it formed long before our solar system, during a period scientists call “cosmic noon.” This era was a time of intense star formation, offering clues about the universe’s early days.
However, there’s a challenge. As 3I/ATLAS approaches the sun, it loses material, creating a tail. Unfortunately, when it reaches its closest point to the sun, known as perihelion, it will be hidden behind the sun from Earth’s perspective. Earth-based telescopes, including the James Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes, will miss this critical moment.
Andreas M. Hein from the University of Luxembourg explains, “Earth-based observations will be difficult because 3I/ATLAS will be faint, losing its visibility behind the sun.” Observing this event from our surface will be nearly impossible.
Researchers, including T. Marshall Eubanks, Chief Scientist at Space Initiatives Inc., are exploring which spacecraft might get the best view of 3I/ATLAS. The best candidates include the NASA Psyche mission and ESA’s JUICE spacecraft, both of which are positioned to observe the comet during its perihelion. These missions are set to pass within 43 million miles of 3I/ATLAS, making them ideal for gathering data.
Additionally, Mars orbiters like the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Tianwen-1 will have an advantageous view as well. Eubanks noted that these missions could capture important data when 3I/ATLAS is shedding material.
Interestingly, the comet may also interact with upcoming spacecraft, such as the Europa Clipper and Hera. If positioned correctly, they might pass through the comet’s tail and gather samples, adding to our understanding of interstellar material.
The excitement surrounding 3I/ATLAS is palpable, especially since such opportunities are rare. Historically, the discovery of interstellar objects has increased since 2017. However, each event is unique, and Hein cautioned that there may not be many chances to study thick disk objects like 3I/ATLAS.
While scientists are eager to learn more, they are cautious. The Vera Rubin Observatory will enhance our ability to discover other interstellar objects, but it might take decades to find another one as unique as 3I/ATLAS. Eubanks emphasized, “This could literally be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study something from cosmic dawn right in our own backyard.”
As 3I/ATLAS continues its journey, fragments may eventually intersect with Earth’s orbit, possibly resulting in meteor showers. Researchers hope to catch glimpses of this material, allowing us to study the building blocks of the universe without needing to make a trip to distant stars.
With each passing moment, the anticipation grows. The upcoming months will bring new data and insights into 3I/ATLAS, and who knows what mysteries lie within this ancient traveler. For more details, you can check the research paper available on arXiv.