The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is set to vanish from Earth’s view soon as it approaches the Sun. Discovered by the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, this enigmatic celestial object is the third interstellar visitor documented within our solar system.
Discovery and Observations
The NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope first identified comet 3I/ATLAS on July 1. Since its discovery, astronomers have been conducting extensive research to understand its characteristics. Ground-based observatories will be able to monitor the comet until the end of September. After that, it will be too close to the Sun for observations.
Upcoming Visibility
- Closest Approach to Sun: October 30, at a distance of approximately 130 million miles.
- Visibility Resumes: Early December, post its passage behind the Sun.
Key Characteristics of 3I/ATLAS
Data collected from the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph at the International Gemini Observatory has highlighted 3I/ATLAS as a massive comet, weighing around 33 billion tons. A study involving over 4,000 observations, co-authored by Avi Loeb from Harvard University, has estimated that this comet is significantly larger than previous interstellar objects, 1I/`Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
Comparison with Previous Discoveries
- Mass: 3I/ATLAS is 3 to 5 times larger than previous interstellar comets.
- Rare Chemical Makeup: Preliminary studies suggest it has an unusual chemical composition.
Future Research and Potential Discoveries
Although 3I/ATLAS will soon disappear from view, NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are utilizing spacecraft to continue tracking its path. Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope could reveal insights into its composition and behavior.
Looking ahead, exciting observations may be conducted using NASA’s HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in October and NASA’s Juno spacecraft in March 2026. These missions may help answer questions surrounding the comet’s size and trajectory. As Loeb noted, the object could potentially be more than just a typical comet, raising questions about its origin and composition.
In summary, while the disappearance of comet 3I/ATLAS from Earth’s view is imminent, ongoing research and observations promise to unveil further secrets about this fascinating interstellar traveler. El-Balad will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as new information comes to light.
