Astronomers have detected a rare interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, entering the solar system for the first time. This is only the third known interstellar object to be detected from outside our own solar system.
The comet was initially spotted by ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) on July 1 and has since been observed by the Gemini North telescope in Hawai‘i, which captured stunning new images of the comet’s journey through the inner solar system.
3I/ATLAS is estimated to be around 12 miles in diameter, making it a more substantial target for study than previous interstellar objects. The comet’s highly eccentric orbit means it will only pass through our solar system once, with its closest approach being just inside the orbit of Mars on October 30.
The new images show that 3I/ATLAS has a compact coma and is potentially one of the oldest comets ever discovered. Astronomers are using various telescopes to observe the comet during its brief visit, which will end when it returns to interstellar space.
This rare sighting offers valuable insights into the building blocks of other planetary systems in the universe, including the chemical elements present at the time of their formation.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/comets/telescope-spies-rare-interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-zooming-through-our-solar-system-photos