NASA unveiled stunning close-up images on Wednesday of the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, which is swiftly traversing our solar system on a brief journey. Discovered this past summer, 3I/Atlas marks only the third confirmed interstellar object to visit our celestial neighborhood. Last month, the comet made a close pass by Mars, coming within a mere 18 million miles (29 million kilometers) of the planet.
NASA’s three spacecraft stationed on and around Mars captured fascinating images of the comet during its flyby, showcasing a fuzzy white structure. Additionally, satellites from the European Space Agency (ESA) also conducted observations of the comet’s approach.
As 3I/Atlas continues its journey, other NASA spacecraft, including the renowned James Webb Space Telescope, will be actively monitoring it in the following weeks. Ground-based astronomers have turned their telescopes toward the comet, which currently lies approximately 190 million miles (307 million kilometers) away from Earth. Gianluca Masi from the Virtual Telescope Project provided a noteworthy image taken from Italy on Wednesday.
The comet is visible from Earth during the predawn hours using binoculars or telescopes. NASA’s acting astrophysics director, Shawn Domagal-Goldman, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Everyone that is in control of a telescope wants to look at it because it’s a fascinating and rare opportunity.”
The closest approach of 3I/Atlas to our planet will occur in mid-December, when it will be 167 million miles (269 million kilometers) away. After this, the comet will journey back into the depths of interstellar space, never to return.
ESA’s JUICE spacecraft, which is en route to Jupiter, has been focusing its scientific instruments on 3I/Atlas, particularly following its closest brush with the sun. However, data from these observations will not be available until February, as the spacecraft’s main antenna is currently serving as a heat shield, limiting communication.
Initially spotted by a telescope in Chile, 3I/Atlas is estimated to be between 1,444 feet (440 meters) and 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) in diameter. Scientists believe this speedy comet may have originated from a star system older than our own, prompting excitement among researchers. “That means that 3I/Atlas is not just a window into another solar system; it’s a window into the deep past, one that predates even the formation of our Earth and sun,” remarked NASA scientist Tom Statler.
NASA officials have addressed speculation regarding the comet being an extraterrestrial spacecraft, affirming that while they remain vigilant in the search for life beyond Earth, 3I/Atlas is unequivocally a comet. As the comet continues its extraordinary journey, the potential insights into our universe’s origins present a thrilling opportunity for scientists and space enthusiasts alike.