Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS set to flare
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Nickel Tetracarbonyl: Scientists confirmed that the comet contains nickel tetracarbonyl. On Earth, this compound has been linked to industrial processes. Hence, Loeb speculates that the comet contains evidence of engineered materials.
A captivating interstellar wanderer, known as 3I/ATLAS, has become the focal point of global astronomical interest. Researchers are intrigued by its peculiar behavior, notably a tail that shifts direction unexpectedly.
The rare interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is under intense scrutiny as it passes through the solar system. Spacecraft like Hera, Europa Clipper, and JUICE are positioned to observe its unique 56,000 km ion tail.
Their computer model, named Tailcatcher, shows that Europa Clipper might intersect the comet's ion tail, a glowing stream of charged particles pushed away from the Sun by the solar wind. This could be the closest we've ever gotten,
The unusual trajectory of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has sparked speculation that it could be an alien spacecraft.