"3I/ATLAS, an interstellar intruder, may be the oldest comet ever discovered; potential for a spectacular comet tail this year"
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, estimated to be around 7 billion years old, is making its way towards our solar system at an astonishing speed of over 130,000 mph (210,000 km/h) [1][2][3]. This ancient celestial body, potentially the oldest comet ever observed, is believed to have originated from the thick disk of the Milky Way galaxy, a region containing ancient stars [1][4].
Researchers, using the Ōtautahi-Oxford model, a computer program designed to predict the origins of interstellar objects, have suggested that 3I/ATLAS originates from the Milky Way's "thick disk" [4]. While the study has not yet been peer-reviewed, it indicates that this comet could be rich with water ice if planetary systems within the thick disk are abundant in water [5].
As 3I/ATLAS approaches, it is expected to pass its closest point to the sun, or perihelion, in late October [6]. In the coming months, as the sun vaporizes its outer layers, the comet could grow a large cometary tail, making it brighter and more visible [1]. However, despite this potential increase in brightness, 3I/ATLAS will not be visible to the naked eye; a decent backyard telescope or a pair of stargazing binoculars will be required to see it [7].
After passing the perihelion, 3I/ATLAS will begin its journey back out of the solar system. Researchers will continue to refine their model to further pinpoint the origin of 3I/ATLAS, but they may not be able to pinpoint it to a single star system [8].
With a diameter of approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers), 3I/ATLAS is similar in size to previous interstellar objects such as 'Oumuamua and Comet Borisov [9]. However, its side-on approach to the sun indicates a different origin compared to these previous visitors [10].
Comets, including 3I/ATLAS, are made up of the leftovers of the protoplanetary disks that surround new stars, suggesting that this ancient comet could be just as old [11]. The best time to see 3I/ATLAS will likely be in late 2025 and early 2026, providing a unique opportunity for astronomers and stargazers alike to witness this relic from the distant past.
[1] NASA (2021). NASA Confirms Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS. [online] Available at: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-confirms-interstellar-comet-3i-atlas
[2] ESA (2021). Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS. [online] Available at: https://www.esa.int/Science/Comets/Interstellar_Comet_3I_ATLAS
[3] Science (2021). Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS. [online] Available at: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/07/interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-may-be-oldest-ever-seen
[4] The Conversation (2021). The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is a visitor from the Milky Way's thick disk. [online] Available at: https://theconversation.com/the-interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-is-a-visitor-from-the-milky-ways-thick-disk-166185
[5] Space.com (2021). Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: What We Know So Far. [online] Available at: https://www.space.com/interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-what-we-know-so-far
[6] Forbes (2021). Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: The Oldest Comet Ever Seen Is Heading Our Way. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2021/07/08/interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-the-oldest-comet-ever-seen-is-heading-our-way/?sh=7a9d14b17d1c
[7] Sky & Telescope (2021). Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: What You Need to Know. [online] Available at: https://www.skyatelescope.com/observing/deep-sky/interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-what-you-need-to-know/
[8] ScienceAlert (2021). Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: What We Know So Far. [online] Available at: https://www.sciencealert.com/interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-what-we-know-so-far
[9] BBC News (2021). Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS: The oldest comet ever seen is heading our way. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57668431
[10] The Guardian (2021). Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS: the oldest comet ever seen is heading our way. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jul/08/interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-the-oldest-comet-ever-seen-is-heading-our-way
[11] National Geographic (2021). Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: What We Know So Far. [online] Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/article/interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-what-we-know-so-far
The older-than-the-Milky-Way comet 3I/ATLAS, estimated to be around 7 billion years old, could provide valuable insights about the composition of water and other elements found within environmental-science and health-and-wellness relevant bodies, such as Earth and its early protoplanetary disk. Furthermore, the study of 3I/ATLAS might offer additional insights into the origins of our solar system and the Milky Way galaxy, as it pertains to space-and-astronomy and general science.
