ESA’s ExoMars and Mars Express Observe Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
In a groundbreaking observation, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and Mars Express spacecraft have captured stunning images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it passed close to Mars. Between October 1 and 7, 2025, these two Mars orbiters turned their eyes towards the comet, providing a unique opportunity for scientists to study this interstellar interloper.
A Challenging Observation
The comet’s closest approach to Mars occurred on October 3, when it was approximately 30 million kilometers away from the ExoMars TGO and Mars Express spacecraft. At this distance, the comet’s observation posed a significant challenge for the spacecraft’s cameras. The Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) on board the ExoMars TGO captured a series of images of the comet, which is visible as a slightly fuzzy white dot moving downwards near the center of the image.
Understanding Comets
Comets are icy bodies that originate from the outer reaches of the solar system. As they approach the Sun, they begin to release gas and dust, creating a bright coma and tail. The coma is a cloud of gas and dust that surrounds the comet’s nucleus, while the tail is a stream of gas and dust that trails behind the comet. By studying comets, scientists can gain insights into the early solar system’s composition and evolution.
The CaSSIS Camera
The CaSSIS camera on the ExoMars TGO is designed to capture high-resolution images of Mars’ surface. However, it was also capable of observing the comet, despite its relatively dim brightness. According to Nick Thomas, Principal Investigator of the CaSSIS camera, “This was a very challenging observation for the instrument. The comet is around 10,000 to 100,000 times fainter than our usual target.” Despite the challenges, the CaSSIS camera was able to capture the comet’s coma, which measures a few thousand kilometers across.
The Importance of Observations
The observation of comet 3I/ATLAS by the ExoMars TGO and Mars Express spacecraft provides valuable insights into the composition and behavior of interstellar comets. By studying the comet’s coma and tail, scientists can gain a better understanding of its origin and evolution. The data collected by the spacecraft will also help scientists to refine their models of cometary behavior and improve their understanding of the solar system’s dynamics.
Future Observations
As comet 3I/ATLAS continues to move through the solar system, it will be observed by other spacecraft and telescopes. These future observations will provide further insights into the comet’s composition and behavior, allowing scientists to refine their understanding of this interstellar interloper. The tail of the comet, which is not visible in the current images, may become more visible in future observations as the comet continues to heat up and release more ice.
Conclusion
The observation of comet 3I/ATLAS by the ExoMars TGO and Mars Express spacecraft is a significant achievement for the ESA and the scientific community. The data collected by these spacecraft will provide valuable insights into the composition and behavior of interstellar comets, shedding light on the mysteries of the solar system. As scientists continue to study this comet and others like it, they will gain a deeper understanding of the solar system’s dynamics and the origins of our celestial neighborhood.
Key Facts
Glossary
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In a groundbreaking observation, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and Mars Express spacecraft have captured stunning images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it passed close to Mars. Between October 1 and 7, 2025, these two Mars orbiters turned their eyes towards the comet, providing a unique opportunity for scientists to study this interstellar interloper.
A Challenging Observation
The comet’s closest approach to Mars occurred on October 3, when it was approximately 30 million kilometers away from the ExoMars TGO and Mars Express spacecraft. At this distance, the comet’s observation posed a significant challenge for the spacecraft’s cameras. The Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) on board the ExoMars TGO captured a series of images of the comet, which is visible as a slightly fuzzy white dot moving downwards near the center of the image.
Understanding Comets
Comets are icy bodies that originate from the outer reaches of the solar system. As they approach the Sun, they begin to release gas and dust, creating a bright coma and tail. The coma is a cloud of gas and dust that surrounds the comet’s nucleus, while the tail is a stream of gas and dust that trails behind the comet. By studying comets, scientists can gain insights into the early solar system’s composition and evolution.
The CaSSIS Camera
The CaSSIS camera on the ExoMars TGO is designed to capture high-resolution images of Mars’ surface. However, it was also capable of observing the comet, despite its relatively dim brightness. According to Nick Thomas, Principal Investigator of the CaSSIS camera, “This was a very challenging observation for the instrument. The comet is around 10,000 to 100,000 times fainter than our usual target.” Despite the challenges, the CaSSIS camera was able to capture the comet’s coma, which measures a few thousand kilometers across.
The Importance of Observations
The observation of comet 3I/ATLAS by the ExoMars TGO and Mars Express spacecraft provides valuable insights into the composition and behavior of interstellar comets. By studying the comet’s coma and tail, scientists can gain a better understanding of its origin and evolution. The data collected by the spacecraft will also help scientists to refine their models of cometary behavior and improve their understanding of the solar system’s dynamics.
Future Observations
As comet 3I/ATLAS continues to move through the solar system, it will be observed by other spacecraft and telescopes. These future observations will provide further insights into the comet’s composition and behavior, allowing scientists to refine their understanding of this interstellar interloper. The tail of the comet, which is not visible in the current images, may become more visible in future observations as the comet continues to heat up and release more ice.
Conclusion
The observation of comet 3I/ATLAS by the ExoMars TGO and Mars Express spacecraft is a significant achievement for the ESA and the scientific community. The data collected by these spacecraft will provide valuable insights into the composition and behavior of interstellar comets, shedding light on the mysteries of the solar system. As scientists continue to study this comet and others like it, they will gain a deeper understanding of the solar system’s dynamics and the origins of our celestial neighborhood.
Key Facts
Glossary
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