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
Comet 3I/ATLAS The European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft has captured the first-ever image of comet 3I/ATLAS, providing scientists with a unique glimpse into the ancient, icy body. The image was taken by JUICE's Camera for Observations of the Aurorae and Limb-brightening at the Equinox (SAFECO-2) camera on February 4. Comet 3I/ATLAS is a small, periodic comet that orbits the Sun every 6.5 years. It was first detected in 2021 and has since become a target of interest for scientists studying comets and their composition. The JUICE spacecraft, launched in 2022, is on its way to explore Jupiter's icy moons but happened to be in the right place at the right time to capture an image of the comet. The image shows Comet 3I/ATLAS as a faint, fuzzy blob against a background of stars and galaxy light. Scientists are excited about the opportunity to study this comet up close, as it will provide valuable insights into its composition and evolution over time. The data collected by JUICE's camera will help scientists better understand the origins of comets and their role in shaping the solar system. JUICE is a unique mission that combines a deep understanding of Jupiter's moons with cutting-edge technology to explore the gas giant's icy worlds. Its cameras are designed to capture stunning images of the Jupiter system, including its moons and rings. The spacecraft will continue to study Comet 3I/ATLAS as it approaches perihelion, the point at which it is closest to the Sun, providing scientists with a unique opportunity to learn more about this ancient, icy body.#Comet_3I_ATLAS #European_Space_Agency #JUICE_spacecraft #Jupiter_Icy_Moons_Explorer #SAFECO2_camera #Jupiter #Sun
