Comets
NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft has obtained ultraviolet observations of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, filling a viewing gap when Earth and Mars telescopes were obstructed. The data reveals hydrogen, oxygen, and signs of intense gas release from the comet. These findings could provide insights into cometary formation around other stars.
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Astronomers have detected high levels of methanol and hydrogen cyanide in the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, marking the first such finding in an object from beyond our solar system. These carbon-rich compounds, essential for prebiotic chemistry, appear in greater quantities than in typical solar system comets. The discovery highlights differences in this third interstellar visitor's composition.
The Gemini telescope has released dramatic images of comet 3I/ATLAS, capturing its structure and activity in high detail. These images provide valuable data for astronomers studying cometary behavior.