NASA space telescope sees interstellar visitor comet 3I/ATLAS flare up while exiting the solar system
Summary
New infrared observations indicate that the rare interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has significantly brightened as it embarks on its farewell tour of the solar system, captivating astronomers and space enthusiasts alike with its stunning display.
Key Insights
What does it mean for 3I/ATLAS to be an 'interstellar' comet?
An interstellar comet like 3I/ATLAS originates from outside our solar system, identified by its high velocity and hyperbolic trajectory indicating it is not bound by the Sun's gravity and will exit after a single pass. It is the third such object detected, following 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
Why is the comet 'flaring up' or brightening as it exits the solar system?
The brightening, or flaring up, occurs due to its coma—a cloud of gas and dust—expanding as ices like water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide sublimate from the nucleus when heated by sunlight, even as it moves away from the Sun after perihelion.