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An astronomer named Ray’s Astrophotography took the latest photo of the comet. In the center is the comet’s bright core, which is shining very brightly. But five bright spots surround it, making it appear as if five objects are rotating around the center.
NASA shares close-up photos of interstellar comet 31/ATLAS
New Delhi: A mysterious visitor has arrived in space – Comet 3I/ATLAS. It originated outside our galaxy and is traveling at a speed of 209,214.72 kilometers per hour. NASA has released a new image of it, showing it as a bright spot with a faint tail behind it.
But a new photo shows five bright spots orbiting it, which has people wondering. Is this alien technology or just a camera glitch? Scientists say this is normal, but this photo is forcing everyone to take a second look.
What does the mysterious photo show?
An astronomer named Ray's Astrophotography took the latest photo of the comet. In the center is the comet's bright core, which is shining very brightly. But five bright spots surround it, making it appear as if five objects are rotating around the center.
The stacked image shows a changing pattern in the coma (comet cloud), jets of dust erupting, and the inner core is moving, creating a rotating effect.
Scientists suggest these five lights may be due to camera diffraction, sensor reflection, or background stars obscured by the comet's brightness. But the pattern appears so accurate that people are wondering: Is 3I/ATLAS doing something unusual?
Some are calling these five lights around a visitor, suggesting alien theories. This photo has gone viral before NASA's official image was released.
NASA's official image and statement
NASA has released a new image of the comet, showing it as a bright dot with a faint tail behind it. This is only the third interstellar object to enter our solar system since 2017. NASA's Tom Statler said it opens a new door to understanding the composition and history of other solar systems.
The comet will pass by Earth on December 19th, but at a safe distance – 170 million miles away. While some are calling it alien technology, scientists are even more excited – it could be a messenger from star systems that formed before our own. In December, the James Webb Space Telescope will examine it in detail.
NASA's Large Observation Campaign
NASA is tracking 3I/ATLAS throughout the solar system – its largest such campaign to date. Twelve NASA spacecraft have taken images and processed data since July 1st. Many more spacecraft will take images in the future. Observing from so many locations will help scientists understand how it differs from comets in our solar system. This will reveal how the composition of other systems differs from our own.
Images Taken from Mars
The closest image was taken from Mars. Earlier this year, the comet passed 19 million miles from Mars. Three NASA spacecraft observed it...
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO): Took the closest image.
MAVEN orbiter: Took ultraviolet images that will help understand the comet's composition.
Perseverance rover: Captured faint glimpses from the surface of Mars.
These observations will tell scientists about the comet's gas, dust, and composition.
Why is this comet special?
3I/ATLAS came from outside our galaxy, so it could provide information about other systems. Scientists hope it will help understand how life formed in the universe. Alien theorists suggest the five lights could be alien ships, but NASA says they're just optical effects.
Further investigation will reveal the truth. This event shows us how mysterious space is. NASA's team is continuing to work on the findings. More details will be available in December.
