O comet 3i/Atlas again drew attention to the astronomical community. This time, the Gemini North telescope He captured images that show an interesting change: the comet turned green.
This transformation in the color of the interstellar object reveals much about its composition and behavior as it approaches the Sun.
Telescope Gemini North Capture Color Change
O Gemini North telescope, with its impressive 8.1 meters in diameter, used the GMOS multi-objective spectrograph to photograph the comet.
The images were made on November 26, when the 3i Atlas It passed near the star Zaniah in the constellation Virgo.
The instrument works with a filter wheel that captures different wavelengths. Each filter produces a monochrome image, and then all are combined.
When the telescope focuses on the comet, the stars in the background appear as colored tracks, while the comet remains clear with its tail characteristic.
Why Did The Comet Go Green?
The color change of the 3i Atlas has a simple scientific explanation. As it approaches the sun, solar heat makes the ice of the comet evaporate.
During this process, gases are released along with water vapor. These gases, when illuminated by sunlight, produce specific colors.
The Role of Diatomic Carbon
The characteristic green color comes from the release of diatomic carbon (C2), a reactive molecule formed by two carbon atoms.
When excited by solar radiation, this molecule emits light mainly at greenish wavelengths.
This green coloring is common in many comets. Objects such as comet Leonard and other visitors to the solar system feature similar tones.
Shadow the Scientists Program
The 3i/Atlas observations are part of an educational initiative called "Shadow the Scientists".
This program brings together scientists and students to show how astronomical research works in practice.
During sessions, which can last up to two hours, participants follow the whole process: from the choice of filters to the calibration of instruments.
The program has already made previous observations of the 3i/Atlas using the Gemini South telescope, when the comet was reddish.
Comet Structure and Behavior
The 3i/Atlas is classified as an interstellar visitor – the third object of this type already identified in the history of astronomy.
Like any comet, it has three main components: the solid core, the coma (atmosphere around the nucleus) and the characteristic tail.
Interstellar Origin
Unlike comets born in our solar system, 3i/Atlas comes from outside, from another distant star system.
His trajectory brought him to the Sun, allowing terrestrial telescopes to observe and study his unique composition.
Future Behavior Forecasts
Comets are unpredictable objects by nature. The behavior of the 3i/Atlas while moving away from the Sun cannot be determined with absolute certainty.
Many comets have "late reactions" – explosions on the surface that occur even when they are already far from the Sun.
This is because heat gradually penetrates into the comet, causing activity even after the energy source is removed.
Remarks Until March 2024
Astronomers intend to continue monitoring 3i/Atlas at least until March next year.
In this period, the comet will pass near Jupiter, offering more opportunities for study and observation.
These continued observations will help to better understand the behavior of interstellar objects in our solar system.
Scientific Importance of Discoveries
The color changes documented in 3i/Atlas confirm that it behaves as a traditional comet, despite its external origin.
The release of diatomic carbon and other gases follows patterns similar to those observed in native comets of the solar system.
These observations help rule out alternative theories about the nature of the object, confirming its classification as a natural comet.
The joint work between the Gemini North telescope and the educational program demonstrates how modern science combines advanced research with scientific dissemination.
