Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS's Blue Shine Is Surprising Astronomers
Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known visitor from beyond our Solar System, has been brightening rapidly as it approaches perihelion.
Due to its position behind the Sun, ground-based observations were nearly impossible, so astronomers used space-based observatories and solar-monitoring satellites instead.
- Researchers Qicheng Zhang and Karl Battams used instruments aboard STEREO-A, SOHO, and GOES-19 to track the comet.
Related: Strange Green Glow From Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Has Scientists Puzzled
Astronomers captured the comet's dramatic transformation using these spacecraft.
Author's summary: Comet 3I/ATLAS surprises astronomers with rapid brightening.