NASA Unveils Stunning Images of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

NASA has released remarkable images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, captured during its close encounter with Mars last month. This event provided scientists with a unique opportunity to study the comet’s coma, a cloud of dust and ice surrounding the nucleus, and was made possible thanks to instruments aboard Mars’ orbiting spacecraft.

The release of these images was delayed due to the US federal government shutdown, which ended earlier this month. Lawmakers and astronomers expressed frustration over the postponement of this significant scientific data. Eventually, NASA presented the findings during a livestream event on October 2, 2023, showcasing the comet as it passed approximately 19 million miles from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Insights into the Comet’s Characteristics

In one of the images, described by Amit Kshatriya, NASA’s associate administrator, the comet appears as a “fuzzy white ball.” This visual representation illustrates the coma, which Kshatriya noted is a crucial aspect of the comet’s behavior. The imaging was conducted at a scale of about 19 miles per pixel, allowing for detailed observations.

According to Shane Byrne, principal investigator of the HiRISE camera, which captured the images, “Observations of interstellar objects are still rare enough that we learn something new on every occasion.” The close proximity of 3I/ATLAS to Mars has provided a valuable opportunity to assess the potential size of the comet’s nucleus and analyze the particles within its coma.

In addition to the HiRISE images, NASA’s Mastcam-Z, attached to the Perseverance Mars rover, also recorded the comet on October 4, 2023. These images depict 3I/ATLAS traveling at an impressive speed of approximately 137,000 mph. Furthermore, observations from the MAVEN spacecraft revealed that the comet was emitting hydrogen gas during its approach to Mars in late September.

Addressing Speculation About the Comet

During the livestream, Kshatriya took the opportunity to address speculations surrounding the comet’s origins. He publicly dismissed claims promoted by Avi Loeb, a Harvard astronomer, suggesting that 3I/ATLAS might be an alien spacecraft. “This object is a comet,” he asserted. “It looks and behaves like a comet, and all evidence points towards it being a comet.”

Following this close encounter, 3I/ATLAS is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2023. This forthcoming event will provide NASA spacecraft another chance to gather data on this intriguing interstellar visitor and further our understanding of such objects from outside our solar system.