In an extraordinary revelation, newly released images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS reveal a massive jet of gas and dust directed toward the sun, consistent with typical comet behavior.
This article delves into the fascinating features of 3I/ATLAS, its origins, and the scientific implications of its observed activity. Discovered in late June and confirmed by NASA in early July, 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar object hailing from an unknown star system far beyond our own.
This comet is notably the third interstellar object ever detected and stands out as the largest, measuring between 3 and 7 miles (5 to 11 kilometers) wide. Its immense size and potential age, possibly dating back billions of years before the sun’s formation, provide a unique opportunity to study the early solar system’s dynamics.
Author's summary: Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS reveals massive jet.