NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope recently tracked the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, capturing stunning images from a distance of approximately 178 million miles from Earth. These observations showcase the comet as a bright point of light against streaks of background stars.
NASA and ESA Collaborate on 3I/ATLAS Observations
On Thursday, NASA released these remarkable images and announced plans for further data collection on 3I/ATLAS over the coming months. The comet is on a trajectory that will soon take it out of our solar system.
The European Space Agency (ESA) also contributed to this mission by providing additional photographs of the comet. The agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, known as Juice, is traveling to study Jupiter and its largest moons. Juice recorded data about 3I/ATLAS just before a close approach on November 4, at a distance of around 41 million miles.
Key Features of 3I/ATLAS
- Comet Distance: 178 million miles from Earth during Hubble’s observations.
- Close Approach: Juice’s closest pass occurred on November 4.
- Tails: 3I/ATLAS may have two distinct tails— a plasma tail and a dust tail.
Data Collection and Future Research
Images from Juice reveal the glowing halo surrounding the comet’s coma and indicate the presence of two tails. The plasma tail, which consists of ionized gas, extends prominently at the top of the images. Meanwhile, the dust tail, composed of gas and tiny solid particles, stretches toward the lower left.
ESA anticipates further data retrieval from Juice’s instruments in February, which will enhance our understanding of this fascinating comet’s structure and behavior.
