Interstellar Visitor: 3I/ATLAS Captured by Very Large Telescope

In a captivating display of space’s vast wonders, the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope has captured the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS in a stunning time-lapse video. This visual marvel not only documents the comet’s celestial path but offers a glimpse into the endless mysteries of the universe.

Discovery of a Galactic Wanderer

3I/ATLAS made its grand entrance into the astronomical community on July 1, marking its place as the third interstellar object identified in our solar nebula. This comet journeyed from the shared border of the constellations Sagittarius and Serpens, a region near the heart of our Milky Way galaxy. According to Universe Space Tech, with an eccentricity of roughly 6.14, this object has traversed space at a remarkable velocity of 58 km/s. Its core, a riddle still unsolved, ranges in estimation from 0.8 to 2.4 km.

Revealing Its Path

Captured on July 3, just days after its discovery, the time-lapse journey of 3I/ATLAS presents an exclusive look into its cosmic journey. The FORS2 instrument aboard the Very Large Telescope documented its movement, producing an image hailed as the clearest depiction of an interstellar object to date. However, as the comet moves closer to Earth, brighter and more detailed imagery is anticipated.

Cosmic Encounters

The interstellar traveler is on a journey towards the Sun, with its closest approach happening on October 29. Although it will come within 1.357 AU of the Sun, 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to our planet and will maintain a safe 1.8 AU distance. Mars observers may rejoice as the comet nears the Red Planet at 0.19 AU, a potential opportunity for photography by the MRO spacecraft.

A Fleeting Visit

After gracing our cosmic neighborhood, 3I/ATLAS will head back to interstellar realms, passing through the constellations Gemini and Orion. Despite its substantial speed, it will remain a part of our galaxy, the Milky Way. As it inches away from the galactic center, its journey will slow, setting the stage for a future return trip to the galaxy’s bustling core.

The fascinating journey of 3I/ATLAS is a reminder of the incredible spectacle that the cosmos presents, a testament to the continuous exploration and discovery that fuels our understanding of the universe.