NASA to Release New Images of 3I/ATLAS

Interstellar comet older than the solar system draws global attention
It is third interstellar object seen visiting solar system
3I/ATLAS first observed in July by Chile-based telescope

NASA will unveil new images of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, a comet believed to be older than our solar system. First detected in July by an ATLAS telescope in Chile, its unusual trajectory confirmed that it originated outside the solar system. The comet poses no threat to Earth, passing no closer than 170 million miles, though it recently came within 19 million miles of Mars. NASA officials Amit Kshatriya and Nicola Fox are scheduled to present the imagery at a briefing in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Origins and Composition

Astronomers estimate that 3I/ATLAS formed more than eight billion years ago, predating the solar system by billions of years. Oxford astrophysicist Chris Lintott described it as the oldest object ever studied at close range. It is only the third interstellar object observed passing through our solar system, following 1I/‘Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Early analysis suggests its composition resembles that of solar system comets, with carbon dioxide, water, carbon monoxide, cyanide, and notable amounts of nickel.

The presence of nickel surprised researchers but was not unprecedented, having been observed in 2I/Borisov and other comets. Such findings provide valuable insight into the chemistry of distant planetary systems. Scientists continue to monitor the comet’s behavior as it exits the solar system. Its closest approach to the sun occurred in October, with its nearest pass to Earth expected in about a month.

Tracking and Research

The ATLAS network, funded by NASA and operated by the University of Hawaii, has played a central role in monitoring 3I/ATLAS. With five telescopes worldwide, the system continuously scans the sky for potential threats to Earth. University of Hawaii astronomer Larry Denneau, co-principal investigator for ATLAS, confirmed the comet’s trajectory aligns with expectations for a natural object. He emphasized that its motion is fully explained by the sun’s gravity.

Despite speculation from one scientist that 3I/ATLAS might be alien technology, experts have dismissed the claim. Denneau noted that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, which is lacking in this case. The comet has shown no unusual changes in speed or direction. Lintott added that the alien spacecraft hypothesis is unfounded, comparing it to the idea that the moon is made of cheese.

Scientific Significance

Interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS offer rare opportunities to study material from beyond the solar system. Their trajectories provide clues about the dynamics of distant planetary systems. The discovery underscores the importance of global telescope networks in identifying and tracking such phenomena. NASA’s upcoming release of new images is expected to deepen understanding of this ancient comet.