Chinese Spacecraft Images Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS
China’s Tianwen-1 orbiter captured an image of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS during its flyby of Mars, contributing to the study of this unusual cosmic visitor. The comet is featured in an animated GIF created from several observations taken in October, as well as a separate photo captured that month.
Tianwen-1's Imaging Achievement
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) noted,
“This was the first attempt to photograph such a distant and relatively dim target.”
The Tianwen-1 orbiter, launched to Mars in 2021, used its High-Resolution Imaging Camera (HiRIC), similar to NASA’s HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter but with slightly lower resolution, to capture the comet.
Challenges in Capturing 3I/ATLAS
- 3I/ATLAS is a faint comet moving at speeds up to 129,800 mph.
- The spacecraft’s cameras are optimized for imaging well-lit planetary surfaces, not distant, small, and fast-moving objects.
- The comet is estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times dimmer than typical Martian targets.
Significance of the Observation
This new imagery adds valuable data to efforts to understand 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar anomaly suspected by some to have alien origins. The release contrasts with NASA’s decision not to publicly share similar photos of the comet.
Author’s summary: China’s Tianwen-1 successfully captured rare images of the faint interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, overcoming significant technical challenges to expand knowledge of this cosmic visitor.