- MORE: Mysterious cosmic object could be responsible for an unknown signal sent towards Earth 48 years ago
NASAhas become dark just hours before humans get their closest view of the enigmatic object speeding through oursolar system.
The interstellar object named 3I/ATLAS is expected to approach as close as 18 million miles toMarson October 3, its nearest approach to a planet this year.
Two space probes circling the planet Mars, Mars Express and ExoMars, are getting ready to capture Earth's most detailed image and nearest scans of the mysterious object, which researchers have generally determined is an unusual comet from another part of the solar system.
Nevertheless, once these readings are received, the country's space organization might stay entirely quiet regarding the true nature of the object.
NASA has stated that its official website will remain unchanged during the government shutdown, leading to thousands of federal workers being sent home without receiving their salaries.
It remains uncertain if NASA personnel will issue any statements about the object's near approach to Mars, akin to the groundbreaking press event that previously occurred.unveiled the finding of microorganisms on Mars in September.
The closure arrived at the most inopportune moment, as researchers believe Friday's close approach might provide answers to numerous uncertainties regarding the enigmatic comet, such as whether it is truly of alien origin.
Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb has argued that 3I/ATLASpossesses too many complicating features to be considered a straightforward comet passing through the solar system.
"Hopefully, we will gain a lot more insight into 3I/ATLAS in the next few days," Loeb said to the Daily Mail on Thursday.
The professor mentioned that both Mars Express and ExoMars began their observations of the object on October 1 and will keep analyzing it until Tuesday, October 7.
Loeb mentioned that he is intrigued by several of the results the space probes will be able to gather while being so near to 3I/ATLAS, stating that the data might finally confirm if it is a comet or an artificial object.
"The top two points of interest would be the image and composition," Loeb disclosed.
Since being identified by an amateur astronomer this summer, the common belief has been that 3I/ATLAS is a comet with a chemical makeup that is different from anything else.formed inside our solar system.
In September, researchers from Michigan State University revealed that 3I/ATLAS was releasing gas or dust into space well before it began its journey toward our sun, an occurrence that is quite rare for a far-off comet.
Their study in the Astrophysical Journal Lettersdetermined that this indicated it contained a distinctive set of molecules, such as carbon monoxide, an odorless gas commonly generated by burning wood or fossil fuels.
Nevertheless, Loeb and his team have uncovered additional evidence suggesting the interstellar object might be different.including its remarkably unique path through the solar system and its possible enormous dimensions.
According to previous scans and images of the supposed comet, Loeb estimated that 3I/ATLAS could be more than three miles in length.
However, NASA has mentioned that it might be as short as 1,444 feet long, which would still classify it as a 'city-killer' if it were to hit Earth.
"The latest information gathered during the Mars encounter is expected to shed light on some of the peculiarities of 3I/ATLAS, such as its unusual size and makeup, but it won't account for its rare positioning relative to the planets' ecliptic plane and its unique timing in approaching Mars, Venus, and Jupiter," Loeb explained.
NASA and the European Space Agency have stated that the significant meeting on Friday regarding Mars should also address uncertainties about the comet's path through space and its characteristics.
High-resolution images and spectral data will offer greater insight into the object's core, tail, and coma - the luminous, hazy cloud of gas and dust that surrounds it.
Nevertheless, certain researchers have already rejected other hypotheses regarding 3I/ATLAS.
Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer and astrophysicist affiliated with the Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, stated: 'It is undoubtedly a natural comet; claims to the contrary are dismissed by those who are true experts in comets.'
Read more- Is NASA's latest interstellar find, 3I/ATLAS, the nearest meeting with extraterrestrial machinery, or merely a luminous comet traveling across the cosmos?
- Is the enigmatic interstellar object 3I/ATLAS a harmless comet or a threatening UFO that signals disaster for Earth?
- Will the upcoming trip beyond Earth reveal further mysteries of comet 3I/ATLAS, sparking our quest for extraterrestrial life?
- Harvard versus critics: Is the enigmatic 3I/ATLAS a product of alien origin or a terrestrial comet? Discover the ongoing discussion captivating researchers!
- Is the massive 3I/ATLAS an impressive extraterrestrial vehicle or simply a typical comet moving through our solar system?
Posting Komentar