NASA Unveils Stunning Hubble Images of Comet 3I/ATLAS

NASA has unveiled new images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, showcasing the object following its close approach to the Sun in late October. Captured by the Hubble Space Telescope on November 30, 2023, these images confirm that the comet remains active as it heads back into deep space. Observers are gearing up for a series of viewing opportunities in mid-December, with the comet positioned hundreds of millions of kilometres away from Earth.

Currently, 3I/ATLAS is moving away from the Sun and, although it is not visible to the naked eye, astronomers anticipate better views through telescopes during the upcoming windows in mid to late December. The comet is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2023, providing an optimal opportunity for amateur astronomers to observe it.

Hubble’s Insights into Comet Activity

The new images from Hubble reveal that 3I/ATLAS continues to release trails of gas and dust, evident in the glowing halo around it, known as its coma. As Hubble tracked the comet’s swift motion, the stars in the background appear elongated, adding to the dynamic nature of the images. Additionally, the European Space Agency (ESA) has contributed to the observation efforts. The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) captured images of 3I/ATLAS on November 2, 2023, shortly after the comet’s closest approach to the Sun.

An ESA spokesperson highlighted the significance of these observations, stating, “Not only do we clearly see the glowing halo of gas surrounding the comet known as its coma, we also see a hint of two tails. The comet’s ‘plasma tail’—composed of electrically charged gas—stretches out towards the top of the frame, while a fainter ‘dust tail’—made of tiny solid particles—extends toward the lower left.”

Chemical Signatures and Implications

Recent observations have indicated that 3I/ATLAS releases higher levels of methanol as it approaches the Sun. The Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimetre Array (ALMA) detected measurable production of methanol and hydrogen cyanide earlier this year, with findings recorded on multiple occasions, including August 28, September 18, and October 1. The ratio of these two chemicals offers valuable insights into the comet’s origins.

Avi Loeb, a physicist at Harvard University, noted that 3I/ATLAS has one of the highest methanol-to-hydrogen cyanide ratios ever recorded, following C/2016 R2. Methanol is considered essential for forming complex organic molecules, which are the building blocks of life. A high methanol ratio suggests that the comet may have formed in a cold, carbon-rich environment, distinct from the conditions that created most comets in our Solar System.

This unique chemical signature allows astronomers to study the specific conditions of another star’s protoplanetary disk. By analysing the outgassing of 3I/ATLAS, scientists can effectively perform remote geology on a celestial body from a different region of the galaxy. Such studies could significantly enhance our understanding of planetary system formation.

As the date for the closest approach draws near, both amateur and professional astronomers look forward to capturing the elusive beauty of 3I/ATLAS, furthering their exploration of interstellar phenomena.