What's Happening?
NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has reobserved the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, capturing data on its activity and rotation. The observations, conducted from January 15 to 22, were compiled into a video showing the comet as a bright
moving dot with a tail. The data, now publicly available, will aid scientists in studying the comet's characteristics. TESS, primarily used for detecting exoplanets, also monitors comets and asteroids, providing valuable insights into these celestial bodies.
Why It's Important?
The observation of 3I/ATLAS by TESS enhances the understanding of interstellar objects, which are rare and provide unique opportunities to study the composition and behavior of materials from outside our solar system. This research contributes to the broader field of astronomy by offering data that can improve models of cometary activity and inform future missions. The ability of TESS to capture such detailed observations demonstrates the versatility of space telescopes in contributing to multiple areas of scientific inquiry.
