Stunning Hubble Photo: First-Ever Comet from Another Solar System Captured in Breathtaking Detail

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The Hubble Space Telescope has captured an exciting image of a high-speed comet racing through our solar system. This comet, named 3I-Atlas, was spotted last month by a telescope in Chile and is only the third known interstellar object to come our way. Fortunately, it poses no threat to Earth.

Originally, scientists thought the comet’s icy core was several miles wide. But Hubble’s observations have reduced that estimate to a maximum of 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers), and it might be as small as 1,000 feet (320 meters).

This comet is speeding towards us at 130,000 mph (209,000 kph), but it will pass closer to Mars than Earth, ensuring our planet is safe. When Hubble took its images a couple of weeks ago, the comet was a whopping 277 million miles (446 million kilometers) away. The telescope revealed a unique teardrop-shaped plume of dust surrounding the nucleus, along with a dusty tail.

Astronomers are eager to learn more about 3I-Atlas and what it tells us about the universe. In recent years, interstellar comets have sparked much interest in the scientific community. Dr. Amy Mainzer, an astrophysicist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, notes that studying these objects can provide insights into the formation of solar systems and the building blocks of life.

Interestingly, there’s a growing trend on social media, with many sharing their excitement about the comet’s journey. Tweets and posts are filled with stunning graphics of the images Hubble has captured, fueling public interest.

This latest event offers a tangible link to our cosmic neighborhood and reminds us of the vastness surrounding Earth. Each interstellar visit enriches our understanding of space and how it influences life back home.

For more updates on space exploration, visit NASA and stay tuned to your local news outlets.

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Meteors and meteorites, Planets, Astronomy, Trending News, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Space exploration, Stars, Technology, Science, Chile