Comets

While media outlets have reported that curious interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has changed color, the scientists behind a recent study say that isn't actually the case.

China's Tianwen 1 spacecraft has imaged the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS from Mars orbit, contributing to global efforts to study the rare visitor from beyond the solar system.

"The reason for 3I’s rapid brightening, which far exceeds the brightening rate of most Oort cloud comets at similar distances, remains unclear."

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest pass to the sun on Oct. 30, and various spacecraft will be watching, seeking clues about the icy wanderer's chemistry and composition.

While interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will not come near our planet, future ones may. A new campaign seeks to improve orbit predictions.

The chemical signatures we're observing may reflect both the comet's ancient origins and its long journey through interstellar space.

Comet 3I/ATLAS is warming up as it approaches the sun, causing a jet to emerge. The jet is visible in a dramatic new image.

At the end of October Europa Clipper will fly in line with 3I/ATLAS’ ion tail — but will any of the charged particles reach the spacecraft, and will the spacecraft be ready to receive them?

The livestream is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. EDT (1730 GMT) on Oct. 24.

Scientists have spotted the first clear sign of water from an interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, offering new clues to the chemistry of other planetary systems.