Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Shows Growing Tail in Latest Images

Fast Summary

• Comet Details: Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, approximately 7 miles wide, was first spotted in july and is traveling at over 130,000 mph through the solar system. It originated outside our solar system, likely from a distant star in the Milky Way.
• Tail Formation: New images from the Gemini South telescope show the comet’s developing tail formed as solar radiation heats its icy surface. The tail will grow larger as it approaches the sun and will eventually exceed its nucleus in size.
• Scientific Significance: Initial studies suggest that this comet may be older then our solar system with unusually high levels of water and carbon dioxide. Its coma (a surrounding cloud of ice and dust) is also expanding due to increased sunlight exposure.
• Visibility & Path: The closest approach to mars will occur next month when orbiting spacecraft can study it further.The comet reaches perihelion (closest point to the sun) on Oct. 29 but will not be visible directly from Earth during this period.
• Future Journey: In December,3I/ATLAS will come within 170 million miles of Earth before continuing its long journey into deep space.

!Comet Tail Image
(Image credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab)

Indian Opinion Analysis

The discovery and close observation of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS hold immense potential for advancing astronomical science globally, including for India which maintains active research programs in planetary science via organizations like ISRO.Interstellar objects such as this provide rare insights into materials that predate our solar system’s formation-a valuable window into cosmic history.India coudl benefit by collaborating internationally or utilizing upcoming missions like Gaganyaan or future space telescopes to contribute observations about such events if positioned strategically near similar phenomena in orbit or exploration targets closer to Mars or deep space domains.

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