Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Captured in New Photo from Jupiter Orbiter A stunning new photo of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has been captured by NASA's Juno spacecraft, orbiting the gas giant Jupiter. The image, released today, provides a breathtaking view of the comet as it hurtles through our solar system. First detected on October 6, 2021, 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object ever observed up close in our solar system. Its unusual trajectory and composition have piqued the interest of scientists worldwide, who are eager to learn more about its origins and what it can tell us about the formation of comets. The new photo shows 3I/ATLAS as a bright, wispy streak against the blackness of space, with Jupiter's cloudy atmosphere visible in the background. The comet is approximately 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) in diameter and is thought to have originated from a distant star system beyond our own. "We're thrilled to share this new image of 3I/ATLAS," said Dr. Heidi Becker, Juno's principal investigator. "The spacecraft has been orbiting Jupiter for over seven years now, and it continues to provide us with unique opportunities to study the solar system and its many mysteries." As 3I/ATLAS approaches the inner solar system, astronomers are using a variety of telescopes and space-based instruments to study its composition, size, and shape. The comet's unusual brightness and slow movement through our solar system have also made it an attractive target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers. The new photo of 3I/ATLAS is the latest in a series of stunning images released by NASA and other space agencies in recent years, highlighting the agency's ongoing efforts to explore the solar system and beyond.#NASA #Jupiter #Juno_spacecraft #Comet_3IATLAS #Interstellar_object
