Comet 3I/ATLAS recorded a bluer appearance in images from solar probes during its passage close to the Sun on October 29. Scientists clarify that the object did not undergo a real change in color. The intense glow results from the comet’s gaseous coma.
The blue tone already appeared in records prior to the maximum approach. The comet reaches its minimum distance from Earth on December 19, at around 270 million kilometers.
Solar probe observations
Three space observatories captured comet 3I/ATLAS at perihelion. The images revealed a rapid increase in brightness, greater than expected for similar objects.
The comet exhibited a blue tone compared to the Sun. Previous records indicated reddish dust on the object.
Explanation from the scientific team
Qicheng Zhang, from the Lowell Observatory, says there is no evidence of a change in color. The gas coma contributes significantly to the total observed brightness.
- Comets form comas when ice evaporates near the Sun.
- The gas cloud reflects light differently than dust.
- Previous amateur images already showed a blue-green hue.
Zhang highlights that the coma became visible at the beginning of the year. Since then, the comet has maintained its brightness with no real variations in color.
Composition and behavior of the comet
Objects like 3I/ATLAS consist of ice, rocks and dust. The solar approach causes evaporation and the formation of gaseous structures.
The tail appears in some cases, driven by the solar wind. The 3I/ATLAS developed an unusual tail during its trajectory.
Ground-based telescope records
Gemini North Telescope captured the comet in July with red, green and blue filters. Gemini South’s deep image showed details of the object’s structure.
The Hubble Space Telescope recorded the blue comet on July 21. At the time, 3I/ATLAS was 445 million kilometers from Earth.
Trajectory after perihelion
The comet began returning to the interstellar region after meeting the Sun. Passing close to Mars allowed observations by orbiting probes.
Telescopes will continue monitoring the object until December. The minimum distanceof Earth occurs without risk to the planet.
Interstellar Visitor Features
3I/ATLAS represents the third body detected from outside the Solar System. Discovered in July, it offers data on formations in other star systems.
Scientists classify the object as natural, composed of primitive materials. Combined observations from space and Earth enrich the study of the comet.