3I/ATLAS came from mysterious frontier of early Milky Way, scientists say. This interstellar comet travels at record speeds and may originate from the border of the Milky Way’s thin and thick disks. Studying 3I/ATLAS can reveal its age, trajectory, and the early history of our galaxy.
3I/ATLAS Came from Mysterious Frontier of Early Milky Way?
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS came from the mysterious frontier of early Milky Way, according to a new study. Astronomers are studying its journey to understand the comet's age and origin.
3I/ATLAS Interstellar Visitor
3I/ATLAS was first spotted in late June and confirmed by NASA in early July. Its high speed and unusual trajectory show it came from outside the solar system. It is the third interstellar object ever detected, after 1I/'Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov. The comet is estimated to be between 3 and 7 miles (4.8 to 11.2 kilometers) wide, making it the largest interstellar object observed so far.
Currently, 3I/ATLAS is moving through the inner solar system. It passed near Mars on Oct. 3 and will reach its closest point to the sun on Oct. 30. After that, it will continue toward interstellar space, passing Jupiter in March 2026. The comet does not pose any threat to Earth.
3I/ATLAS Interstellar Comet's Journey Through the Galaxy
While its immediate path in the solar system is predictable, tracing its origin is difficult. 3I/ATLAS travels at about 130,000 miles per hour (210,000 km/h), a record speed for interstellar objects. Over millions or billions of years, the comet has experienced gravitational influences from many stars. These forces could have altered its path, making it harder to identify its original star system.
3I/ATLAS New Research Using Gaia Data
A new study on the preprint server arXiv analyzed the comet's past 4.27 million years using data from the European Space Agency's Gaia space telescope. The researchers identified 62 stars that 3I/ATLAS likely encountered. None of these stars had a significant effect on its orbit. Only one star, about 70% the mass of the sun, slightly influenced its trajectory.
Lead study author Xabier Pérez-Couto, a postgraduate student at Universidade da Coruña in Spain, told Live Science, “We have found that none of the stars in the solar neighborhood can explain the trajectory and high velocity of 3I/ATLAS.” This suggests the comet did not originate near our solar system.
3I/ATLAS Age, Origin from Border of the Milky Way’s Thin and Thick Disks
The team suggests 3I/ATLAS is very old and likely comes from the border of the Milky Way’s thin and thick disks. The thin disk contains most of the younger stars and star-forming gases rich in heavier elements. The thick disk contains older stars that have ceased forming.
If the comet originated from the border of these disks, it could be about 10 billion years old, more than twice the age of the sun. Pérez-Couto said the comet may have been ejected from the primordial disk of an early planetary system. Its study could reveal details about the early Milky Way.
Limitations and Future Observations
The study notes that analyzing nearby stars only accounts for a small portion of the comet's history. Its exact origin remains uncertain. Observations from Earth, Mars, and orbiting spacecraft near Jupiter may soon provide more data. Scientists hope to study its composition to learn about its cosmic birthplace and the early history of the galaxy.
FAQs
What makes 3I/ATLAS unique among interstellar objects?
3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar object detected. It is the largest, travels fastest, and may come from the Milky Way’s border, potentially 10 billion years old.
Will 3I/ATLAS pose any risk to Earth?
No. The comet is passing safely through the inner solar system. Its trajectory will take it past Jupiter in 2026 and then back into interstellar space.
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3I/ATLAS Came from Mysterious Frontier of Early Milky Way?
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS came from the mysterious frontier of early Milky Way, according to a new study. Astronomers are studying its journey to understand the comet's age and origin.3I/ATLAS Interstellar Visitor
3I/ATLAS was first spotted in late June and confirmed by NASA in early July. Its high speed and unusual trajectory show it came from outside the solar system. It is the third interstellar object ever detected, after 1I/'Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov. The comet is estimated to be between 3 and 7 miles (4.8 to 11.2 kilometers) wide, making it the largest interstellar object observed so far.Currently, 3I/ATLAS is moving through the inner solar system. It passed near Mars on Oct. 3 and will reach its closest point to the sun on Oct. 30. After that, it will continue toward interstellar space, passing Jupiter in March 2026. The comet does not pose any threat to Earth.
3I/ATLAS Interstellar Comet's Journey Through the Galaxy
While its immediate path in the solar system is predictable, tracing its origin is difficult. 3I/ATLAS travels at about 130,000 miles per hour (210,000 km/h), a record speed for interstellar objects. Over millions or billions of years, the comet has experienced gravitational influences from many stars. These forces could have altered its path, making it harder to identify its original star system.3I/ATLAS New Research Using Gaia Data
A new study on the preprint server arXiv analyzed the comet's past 4.27 million years using data from the European Space Agency's Gaia space telescope. The researchers identified 62 stars that 3I/ATLAS likely encountered. None of these stars had a significant effect on its orbit. Only one star, about 70% the mass of the sun, slightly influenced its trajectory.Lead study author Xabier Pérez-Couto, a postgraduate student at Universidade da Coruña in Spain, told Live Science, “We have found that none of the stars in the solar neighborhood can explain the trajectory and high velocity of 3I/ATLAS.” This suggests the comet did not originate near our solar system.
3I/ATLAS Age, Origin from Border of the Milky Way’s Thin and Thick Disks
The team suggests 3I/ATLAS is very old and likely comes from the border of the Milky Way’s thin and thick disks. The thin disk contains most of the younger stars and star-forming gases rich in heavier elements. The thick disk contains older stars that have ceased forming.If the comet originated from the border of these disks, it could be about 10 billion years old, more than twice the age of the sun. Pérez-Couto said the comet may have been ejected from the primordial disk of an early planetary system. Its study could reveal details about the early Milky Way.
Limitations and Future Observations
The study notes that analyzing nearby stars only accounts for a small portion of the comet's history. Its exact origin remains uncertain. Observations from Earth, Mars, and orbiting spacecraft near Jupiter may soon provide more data. Scientists hope to study its composition to learn about its cosmic birthplace and the early history of the galaxy.FAQs
What makes 3I/ATLAS unique among interstellar objects?
3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar object detected. It is the largest, travels fastest, and may come from the Milky Way’s border, potentially 10 billion years old.Will 3I/ATLAS pose any risk to Earth?
No. The comet is passing safely through the inner solar system. Its trajectory will take it past Jupiter in 2026 and then back into interstellar space.Add 
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