Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Captured by ESAS Mars Orbiters in Historic Observation
Mars orbit – European Space Agency (ESA) orbiters have successfully captured images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, a rare event marking only the third time such an object has been confirmed and the first detailed observation from Mars. Despite being too faint for the Mars Express orbiter,the ExoMars trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) recorded a series of images,compiled into an animation,showcasing the comet’s rapid movement away from the planet.
Comet 3I/ATLAS, estimated to be between 5 and 11 kilometers in diameter, is believed to be billions of years old – predating even our Sun – and has been traveling through the galaxy for eons. Its discovery provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study material from beyond our solar system.
The animation reveals the comet as a faint, glowing point traveling at approximately 210,000 km/h. The shining spot represents the comet’s nucleus and coma, the cloud of gas surrounding it as its icy surface evaporates when nearing the Sun. NASA explains that this evaporation process, driven by solar heat, causes the coma to grow and the solar wind to create the comet’s characteristic tail.
While the comet’s tail isn’t currently visible due to its distance and faintness – approximately 10,000 to 100,000 times dimmer than typical observation targets, according to Nick Thomas, principal investigator for the ExoMars camera system – ESA anticipates it will become clearer as 3I/ATLAS approaches the Sun. “The brightness is about 10,000 to 100,000 times fainter than a typical observation target,” Thomas stated.
ESA is continuing to analyze data from its orbiters to determine the comet’s size and composition. NASA’s observation efforts are currently paused due to the partial US government shutdown.
Currently beyond the Sun’s reach and invisible from Earth, 3I/ATLAS is projected to become observable again with ground-based telescopes in December 2025. It will pass Jupiter in March 2026 before exiting the solar system permanently. The comet joins ‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov as only the third confirmed interstellar object to visit our solar system.
