Strange interstellar object hurtling towards Earth has now grown a tail, astronomers say
Suspected comet heading for our solar system
- A new image of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS offers more proof that it is a comet, showing it is growing a tail.
- This object is only the third known interstellar visitor to pass through our Solar System, following 'Oumuamua and Borisov.
- Observations from the Gemini South telescope in the Chilean Andes revealed a growing gas tail and a glowing coma around the comet.
- Scientists used the telescope's spectrograph to gather data on the comet's composition and chemistry, providing insights into its material.
- Unlike comets bound to our Sun, 3I/ATLAS is on an orbit that will carry it back into interstellar space, offering a unique opportunity to study its formation.