Comet 3I/ATLAS Resembles Icy Trans-Neptunian Objects
Comet brightened during Oct 29 perihelion due to sublimation near 235 million miles from the Sun.
Spectroscopy compared comet to Antarctic carbonaceous chondrites, with 137,000 mph velocity and spiral jets observed from Spain.
Scientists are studying 3I/ATLAS before departure, as it approaches Earth closest later this month with size 1,400 feet to 3.5 miles.
Findings suggest comet is TNO-like, resembling icy trans-Neptunian objects, urging missions like ESA's Comet Interceptor to sample interstellar visitors.
1 month ago