A recently captured photograph reveals interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS alongside a distant galaxy, showcasing the comet’s multiple tails and otherworldly appearance. While the image is striking, astronomers confirm the object is a natural comet, not an alien artifact.
A Cosmic Visitor
Captured on November 16th by New Mexico-based astrophotographer Satoru Murata using a 0.2-meter telescope, the image depicts 3I/ATLAS with its signature green coma and both its long ion tail and shorter anti-tail. The anti-tail, formed by dust ejected from the comet’s surface, had briefly disappeared due to perspective, but has since reemerged.
The image also captures smaller jets of gas shooting from the comet, a result of “outgassing” — the release of heated gases from the comet’s icy interior. This process provides a slight, non-gravitational acceleration to the comet, and was previously misconstrued as evidence of an explosion.
A Galactic Backdrop
The top left corner of the image features barred spiral galaxy NGC 4691, located 70 million light-years away. The juxtaposition of the interstellar comet with this distant galaxy gives the impression of an object truly “from another world.” However, 3I/ATLAS originated within the Milky Way, not another galaxy.
The Comet’s Unusual Characteristics
Discovered in early July, 3I/ATLAS travels at over 130,000 mph and is estimated to be up to 7 billion years old — significantly older than our solar system. The comet recently passed behind the sun from Earth’s perspective, reaching its closest approach to our star on October 29th.
During this journey, 3I/ATLAS exhibited unexpected brightening, a temporary color change, and an unusual chemical composition. These anomalies led some to speculate that the comet might be an alien spacecraft, a theory dismissed by most astronomers. Similar claims were made about the first interstellar object, ‘Oumuamua, discovered in 2017.
Upcoming NASA Images
High-resolution images captured by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter during the comet’s close flyby of Mars on October 3rd are scheduled for release on Wednesday, November 19th. The release was delayed due to the recent government shutdown. The European Space Agency has already used its own Mars photos to refine the comet’s trajectory predictions.
A Natural Phenomenon
Murata emphasizes the comet’s natural origins, stating, “If it looks like a duck and behaves like a duck, it’s a duck.” The comet will reach its closest approach to Earth on December 19th, at a distance of 168 million miles.
Despite its unusual traits, 3I/ATLAS remains a fascinating example of natural interstellar phenomena, offering astronomers a rare opportunity to study a visitor from beyond our solar system
