Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS's Blue Shine Is Surprising Astronomers
Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known visitor from beyond our Solar System, is brightening far more rapidly than expected as it approaches perihelion, its closest point to the Sun.
Due to its position almost directly behind the Sun for the past month, ground-based observations have been nearly impossible, and astronomers have relied on space-based observatories.
Researchers Qicheng Zhang and Karl Battams used solar-monitoring satellites, including STEREO-A, SOHO, and GOES-19, to track the comet during its near conjunction with the Sun, capturing its dramatic transformation.
Related: Strange Green Glow From Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Has Scientists Puzzled
Astronomers are surprised by the comet's blue shine.
Author's summary: Comet 3I/ATLAS shines blue surprisingly.