Astronomers are racing to study the newly discovered interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which is currently hurtling towards our solar system on a one-way trip. The comet, named after its discovery by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), was detected in July and has sparked excitement among experts due to its unique trajectory and speed.
Studying 3I/ATLAS could provide valuable insights into alien star systems and how exoplanets form. Researchers believe that interstellar objects like this comet are likely leftovers from the formation of exoplanets, offering a window into understanding other planetary systems’ formation and evolution.
The limited window to study 3I/ATLAS means that researchers must act quickly to gather as much information as possible before it leaves forever. Telescopes around the world will be used to observe the comet, with observatories in the Southern Hemisphere having a better view of its increasingly bright appearance.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope are expected to play key roles in studying 3I/ATLAS, helping to reveal its chemical composition and origins. While sending a spacecraft to collect samples from the comet is unlikely, researchers hope that by analyzing data from existing telescopes, they can shed light on this cosmic visitor’s true nature.
With only months left before 3I/ATLAS reaches perihelion and leaves our solar system, astronomers are racing against time to make observations. Their efforts could provide a rare opportunity for us to learn more about the origins of exoplanets and their connection to our own galaxy.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/space/comets/astronomers-are-racing-to-study-our-solar-systems-newest-interstellar-visitor-heres-why