What's Happening?
NASA has released new imagery of Comet 31/ATLAS, captured by the MAVEN mission and other spacecraft. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, and the Perseverance rover observed the comet as it passed Mars. These images provide scientists with rare insights
into the comet, which originated outside our solar system. MAVEN's ultraviolet images have been particularly valuable, revealing hydrogen signatures that allow scientists to analyze the comet's chemical composition.
Why It's Important?
The observations of Comet 31/ATLAS offer a unique opportunity for scientists to study an interstellar object, enhancing our understanding of the solar system and beyond. The data collected could provide insights into the composition and behavior of comets, which are considered remnants from the solar system's formation. This research may contribute to broader scientific knowledge about the origins of celestial bodies and the potential for life beyond Earth.
