NASA Europa Clipper Observes Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft has captured new observations of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. This comet is only the third confirmed object from another star system to enter our solar system. The Ultraviolet Spectrograph (UVS) aboard Europa Clipper, led by the Southwest Research Institute, observed the comet when viewing from Earth and Mars was difficult.The spacecraft detected the comet from an uncommon angle. This position allowed scientists to study both the dust tail and plasma tail simultaneously. Observing the comet in this geometry is rare and provides valuable insights into its structure and behavior.
Timing and Unique Observations
Soon after 3I/ATLAS was discovered, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory calculated its trajectory. The Europa Clipper team realized that in November, the spacecraft could observe the comet when Earth- and Mars-based views were limited. This timing filled a crucial observational gap.The UVS instrument detected signatures of oxygen, hydrogen, and dust material in the comet’s coma. These measurements confirm that the comet underwent intense outgassing after its closest pass by the Sun. In addition, the downstream perspective revealed the detailed structure of both tails, providing information not previously available.
Clues About the Comet’s Origin
By analyzing the atomic species, scientists can study how water molecules break into hydrogen and oxygen. This information helps determine the comet’s composition and its evolution during transit from its home star system. Understanding these processes may also shed light on conditions in other planetary systems.Europa Clipper, which launched in 2024, will arrive at Jupiter in 2030. Once there, it will conduct close flybys of Europa and study its icy surface and thin atmosphere. Observations like those of 3I/ATLAS highlight the spacecraft’s capability to study unexpected targets during its journey.
