A recently discovered interstellar object named 3I/ATLAS, or C/2025 N1 (ATLAS), has caught the attention of astronomers due to its unique orbit that distinguishes it from typical asteroids or comets within our solar system. The object was first observed near Jupiter’s orbit on July 1 and was later confirmed to be an interstellar visitor, making it only the third of its kind ever detected.
Astronomers have now obtained the first detailed image of this cosmic interloper using the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Gemini North telescope in Hawaii. According to Martin Still, the NSF program director for the International Gemini Observatory, the captured image is expected to provide valuable insights as the object warms in the sunlight before embarking on its cold journey through interstellar space.
The comet is anticipated to remain visible through large telescopes until September, after which it will become obscured by the sun’s brightness. Researchers, including Paul Wiegert, an astronomy professor at Western University, are eager to explore this new class of celestial object as it offers a glimpse into conditions beyond our solar system.
Initial observations suggest that the comet has a diameter of approximately 20 kilometers, making it significantly larger than the previous two interstellar comets, ‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov. Its size presents a unique opportunity for astronomers to study it closely, especially as it approaches Earth in December, posing no threat to our planet.
Recent findings presented at the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting indicate that 3I/ATLAS could potentially be the oldest comet ever observed, with an estimated age of seven billion years. The comet’s rapid speed, initially measured at around 61 kilometers per second, further adds to its intrigue.
By analyzing the eccentricity of its orbit, astronomers have determined that 3I/ATLAS originated from beyond our solar system, with an eccentricity value of 6.2. This distinguishes it from objects that follow a circular path around the sun. As the comet approaches its closest point to Earth in December, researchers aim to uncover more about its composition and characteristics.
While significant discoveries have already been made about this interstellar visitor, astronomers remain hopeful that further research will shed light on its origins and nature. Paul Wiegert emphasized that the comet’s appearance, characterized by a fuzzy tail due to ice sublimation in the sun’s light, raises questions about its composition and whether it resembles comets from our own solar system or represents a distinct phenomenon.
