Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS's Blue Shine Is Surprising Astronomers
Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known visitor from beyond our Solar System, has been brightening rapidly as it approaches perihelion, its closest point to the Sun.
Due to its position behind the Sun, ground-based observations have been nearly impossible, so astronomers have been using space-based observatories, including solar-monitoring satellites.
Researchers Qicheng Zhang and Karl Battams used instruments aboard STEREO-A, SOHO, and GOES-19 to capture the comet's transformation.
Related: Strange Green Glow From Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Has Scientists Puzzled
Astronomers are surprised by the comet's blue shine, making it a unique observation.
Author's summary: Comet 3I/ATLAS shines blue surprisingly.