Comet 3I/ATLAS: A Rare Cosmic Phenomenon

Comet 3I/ATLAS is one of the rare cosmic phenomena that captivates both scientists and space enthusiasts alike. As the third known interstellar object to pass through our solar system, this comet is a fascinating subject for study and observation. Recent images captured by the Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii and the Two-Meter Twin Telescope in Tenerife reveal the unique details of this cosmic visitor.

Characteristics of Comet 3I/ATLAS

Comet 3I/ATLAS is characterized by a central icy and rocky nucleus, appearing in images as a large black dot surrounded by a white glow representing the comet’s atmosphere, or coma. The jet, shown in purple in the images, points towards the sun, reflecting the typical behavior of comets when exposed to solar heat.

The images also show that this comet emits a jet of ice and dust towards the sun due to the sun’s heating of its surface. This phenomenon is not unusual, as comets in the solar system behave similarly when approaching the sun.

Observing the Astronomical Phenomenon

On October 15, astronomers received notification about the jet via the Astronomers Telegram, a notification service for the astronomical community. Images of the jet were captured on August 2, with 159 exposures of 50 seconds each using the Two-Meter Twin Telescope at the Teide Observatory in the Canary Islands.

Miguel Serra-Ricart, an astrophysicist and Director of Science at the Light Bridges Foundation, stated that this behavior is typical for comets, noting that the comet’s tail also points away from the sun.

Scientific Explanation of the Phenomenon

As comets approach the sun, some parts begin to heat up faster than others. If there is a weaker area on the comet’s surface, gases dissolved beneath can erupt, forming jets directed towards the sun.

Estimates suggest the jet can extend up to 10,000 kilometers from the comet’s surface, a distance more than twice the width of the largest parts of the United States. The jet often consists of carbon dioxide and dust particles, similar to observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope in August.

Future Implications of the Phenomenon

These jets can cause material to spread out in a fan shape as the comet’s nucleus rotates. Some of this material will remain in the coma, while the rest will fall into the comet’s tail due to pressure from the sun or solar wind pushing it there.

Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE, visible to the naked eye, exhibited similar behavior in 2020, as shown in images from the Hubble Space Telescope.

Conclusion

Comet 3I/ATLAS presents a rare opportunity for scientists to study an interstellar object within our solar system. Through intensive observation and scientific research, this phenomenon can deepen our understanding of comets and cosmic behaviors. These studies offer new and exciting insights into how the sun affects celestial bodies, enhancing the comprehensive understanding of astronomical phenomena.