Observation of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
ESA's Mars orbiters have observed comet 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar comet ever discovered, as it passed near Mars.
The comet revealed a glowing coma as it was heated by the Sun, with ESA's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and Mars Express spacecraft capturing its motion between October 1 and 7.
At its closest approach on October 3, the comet was approximately 30 million km away from the Red Planet.
Researchers are currently studying the data to understand the comet's makeup and origins, with this rare event also foreshadowing future missions like the Comet Interceptor.
This rare event also foreshadows future missions like the Comet Interceptor, designed to chase such elusive visitors.
Author's summary: ESA's Mars orbiters observed interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.