Interstellar Visitor Observed Near Mars
ESA's Mars orbiters have spotted comet 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar comet ever discovered, as it passed near the Red Planet.
The comet's glowing coma was visible as it was heated by the Sun, and researchers are studying the data to understand its composition and origins.
- ESA's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and Mars Express spacecraft observed the comet between October 1 and 7.
- The comet was about 30 million km away from Mars at its closest approach on October 3.
- Both orbiters used their onboard cameras to track the comet's motion.
This rare event also highlights the potential for future missions like the Comet Interceptor to study such interstellar visitors.
No direct quote available in the text.
Author's summary: ESA's Mars orbiters observe interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.