What's Happening?
NASA's Parker Solar Probe has observed the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS using its Wide-Field Imager for Solar Probe (WISPR) instrument. From October 18 to November 5, 2025, the spacecraft captured around
10 images of the comet per day. During this period, the probe was moving away from the Sun after its 25th solar flyby. The images, which are still undergoing final calibration, show the comet moving behind the Sun from the probe's perspective. This observation period coincided with the comet's closest approach to the Sun, offering a unique opportunity to study the comet when it was not visible from Earth.
Why It's Important?
The observation of comet 3I/ATLAS by the Parker Solar Probe provides valuable data on interstellar objects passing through our solar system. This is the third known interstellar object observed, offering insights into the composition and behavior of such bodies. The data collected will help scientists understand the dynamics of interstellar comets and their interactions with the solar environment. This information is crucial for advancing our knowledge of the solar system and the broader universe, potentially informing future missions and research.
What's Next?
The WISPR team will continue processing the data to refine the images and compensate for exposure differences. These final images will aid scientists in studying the comet's characteristics and behavior. As the Parker Solar Probe continues its mission, it may capture more data on other celestial phenomena, contributing to our understanding of the solar system.
