Agência Espacial Europeia released new visual analyzes of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, based on images taken by the Juice probe during its trajectory towards the Jovian system. The records were obtained in November 2025, when the spacecraft was about 66 million kilometers from the object, detailing the celestial body’s activity shortly after its passage through perihelion. Observations reveal striking physical features and dynamic visitor behavior in deep space.
During the second half of 2025, as it crossed the inner Sistema Solar, the comet exhibited intense sublimation activity due to its proximity to solar heat. Esse process resulted in the formation of a bright coma and a visible tail, elements documented in detail by the European mission. The object’s closest approach to Terra occurred in December of the same year, at a safe distance of 270 million kilometers, allowing multiple studies to be carried out without any risk of collision.
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Details of morphology and activity on the surface
Images captured by the JANUS camera provide a clear view of the morphology of 3I/ATLAS. The coma appears as a bright spherical cloud around the nucleus, while the tail projects in the opposite direction to Sol, directly influenced by the pressure of solar radiation. Cientistas identified jets of matter expelled from the nucleus in addition to these main structures, which indicates the existence of active regions on the comet’s surface.
The optical instrument recorded more than a hundred images during the encounter, complementing data from other onboard sensors such as the MAJIS spectrometer and the PEP particle detector. The processing of this information occurred after transmitting the data to Terra, a task that required the use of the probe’s medium gain antenna, as the main antenna was positioned to act as thermal protection in this phase of the mission.
Chemical composition points to external origin
Spectroscopic analyzes revealed features in the chemical composition of 3I/ATLAS that differentiate it from comets formed in our own planetary system. The studies point to an unusual amount of nickel and a low proportion of iron, suggesting that the object formed under different conditions. Além Furthermore, the detection of a high ratio of carbon dioxide to water in the coma reinforces the theory that the celestial body originated in an extremely cold and distant region, possibly in another star system.
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Combining optical images with measurements in ultraviolet and submillimeter waves allowed researchers to map the distribution of volatile substances around the nucleus. Essa integration of data from multiple instruments provides a more complete perspective on the comet’s evolution and physical properties. Comparing this information with records from other space missions is essential to identify unique patterns and validate theoretical models about the formation of interstellar objects.
Future trajectory and scientific legacy
Currently, comet 3I/ATLAS continues its return journey to interstellar space, progressively moving away from Sol and decreasing its sublimation activity. Embora the object is leaving the vicinity of Terra, the data set collected by the Juice probe remains a valuable resource for the astronomical community. Continued analysis of this information promises to expand understanding of the chemical and structural diversity of smaller bodies roaming the galaxy.
Communication challenges faced due to the distance and orientation of the probe during capture did not impede the success of the observation. ESA teams continue to work on decoding the signals to obtain additional details about the internal structure of the nucleus. Estudar This interstellar visitor represents a rare opportunity to examine materials originating from outside of Sistema Solar, contributing significantly to the advancement of planetary science.