Astronomers Detect Ancient Comet 3I/2023 Y1 (Atlas) Originating from Older Galactic Region
Recent observations have revealed that comet 3I/2023 Y1 (Atlas) may be a more important revelation than initially thought.Its trajectory through our solar system suggests an origin in a region of the Milky Way galaxy estimated to be 7 billion years old, predating our own solar system by approximately 2.4 billion years.
According to Space.com, the comet’s journey indicates it hails from a much older stellar neighborhood. This makes 3I/2023 Y1 (Atlas) a possibly significant find for understanding the early history of our galaxy.
Astronomical physicist Astra Foxsen shared insights with followers regarding Hubble Space Telescope images of the comet, stating, “Hubble Space Telescope images of comet 3I/2023 Y1 (Atlas) are now available. These images were captured five hours ago, and cosmic rays are visible within them. We wish success to the researchers working on papers related to this comet.”
Research describing the comet’s optical and infrared properties characterizes 3I/2023 Y1 (Atlas) as an active comet rich in water ice. its dust composition is noted to be similar to that of Type D asteroids, which are thought to be remnants from the outer solar system.
Type D asteroids are frequently enough described as silicate-rich bodies containing organic molecules and water ice in their interiors. Their composition suggests they formed in colder, more distant regions of planetary systems.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, expected to release its first full-sky images on June 23, 2025, is anticipated to discover between 5 and 50 interstellar objects as it surveys the sky. These discoveries will contribute to our understanding of objects that traverse the vast spaces between stars.
