MeerKAT captured hydroxyl absorption signal from object 3I/ATLAS on October 24. The South African radio telescope confirmed that the interstellar visitor is a comet. The detection occurred in South Africa and involved 64 antennas.
Scientists interpreted the signal as the result of sublimation of ice in the core. Water molecules break down when approaching the Sun and release hydroxyl. The phenomenon explains the behavior observed since July.
- Discovery of 3I/ATLAS took place in July this year.
- Object temporarily disappeared behind the Sun.
- Speculations included destructive asteroid and extraterrestrial spacecraft.
Detection by radio telescope
MeerKAT operated in continuous observation mode during the object’s passage. The captured signal showed specific absorption characteristics at radio frequencies.
The antenna network recorded variations that coincided with the predicted position of 3I/ATLAS. Processed data eliminated terrestrial interference and confirmed the cosmic origin.
Chemical composition revealed
Hydroxyl detected indicates presence of frozen water in the nucleus. Sublimation occurs when the comet absorbs intense solar energy.
Breaking of water molecules generates the hydroxyl radical observable on Earth. The process intensifies near perihelion.
Context of initial discovery
3I/ATLAS represents the third cataloged interstellar object. ATLAS system identified the body on a hyperbolic trajectory in July.
Speeds exceeding 30 km/s confirmed origins outside the Solar System. Trajectory avoided collision with inner planets.
Analysis of collected data
Team processed radio spectra to isolate the hydroxyl signal. Intensity varied as the distance from the Sun decreased.
Comparisons with known comets validated the interpretation. Absence of artificial standards ruled out technological transmissions.
Orbital characteristics
Object follows a hyperbolic orbit with an inclination of 40 degrees. Perihelion occurred 1.5 astronomical units from Earth.
Escape velocity exceeds that of the Solar System by 10 km/s. Probable origin in nearby interstellar cloud.
Additional notes
Optical telescopes recorded an increase in brightness during the approach. Cometary activity generated coma visible in images.
Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of volatile gases in addition to water. Composition similar to long-period comets in the Solar System.
The hydroxyl signal captured by MeerKAT on October 24 provided definitive proof of the nature of 3I/ATLAS, which has been crossing the Solar System since July on a hyperbolic trajectory with speeds exceeding 30 km/s, originating from the interstellar region, presenting intense sublimation of ice that releases molecules detectable by terrestrial radio telescopes, allowing precise classification as an active comet without signs of artificial technology.
Implications for future studies
Observations from 3I/ATLAS contribute to the catalog of interstellar visitors. Data helps understand formation of distant planetary systems.
Applied radio techniques open the way to similar detections. Continuous monitoring identifies new candidates.