The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is gaining visibility as it approaches Earth. Discovered in June 2023, it became the third known interstellar object in July. This comet is currently traveling through the inner solar system at an impressive speed of approximately 130,000 mph (210,000 km/h).
Upcoming Close Encounter with Earth
3I/ATLAS will make its closest pass to Earth on December 19, 2023. At that point, it will be approximately 170 million miles (270 million kilometers) away, which is nearly double the distance between Earth and the Sun.
Recent Observations by Space Agencies
- NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are actively studying the comet.
- New images of 3I/ATLAS show significant brightness and activity, with large amounts of gas and dust being released.
Nasa’s Latest Findings
On December 4, 2023, NASA released a new image of 3I/ATLAS captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. The image, taken on November 30, 2023, displays the comet’s nucleus and its coma, a bright cloud of gas and dust.
The Hubble was approximately 178 million miles (286 million kilometers) from the comet during this observation, providing a more detailed picture than its earlier observations. Initial data suggested that 3I/ATLAS could measure between 1,400 feet (440 meters) and 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) wide.
ESA’s Contribution
ESA also shared findings from its Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice), which captured an image of 3I/ATLAS on November 2, 2023. The Juice orbiter was only 41 million miles (66 million kilometers) away from the comet. The image revealed the comet’s coma and suggested the presence of two tails:
- A plasma tail composed of electrically charged gas.
- A fainter dust tail consisting of solid particles.
Future Observations and Research
As 3I/ATLAS approaches Earth, additional observations from various spacecraft and ground-based telescopes are expected. The James Webb Space Telescope is set to take further images, enhancing our understanding of this remarkable interstellar visitor.
The ongoing exploration of comet 3I/ATLAS highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in space research. As it draws near, each observation will contribute to unraveling the mysteries this interstellar traveler holds.
