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, its closest point to the Sun.
Due to its position behind the Sun, ground-based observations were nearly impossible, so astronomers used space-based observatories, including solar-monitoring satellites.
- STEREO-A
- SOHO
- GOES-19
Researchers Qicheng Zhang and Karl Battams captured the comet's transformation using these satellites.
Related: Strange Green Glow From Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Has Scientists Puzzled
Astronomers are surprised by the comet's blue shine.
Author's summary: Comet 3I/ATLAS shines blue surprisingly.