Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS's Blue Shine Is Surprising Astronomers
Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known visitor from beyond our Solar System, is brightening far more rapidly than expected as it approaches perihelion.
Due to its position behind the Sun, ground-based observations are nearly impossible, so astronomers are using space-based observatories and solar-monitoring satellites to track the comet.
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 as it approaches the Sun.
Author's summary: Comet 3I/ATLAS surprises astronomers.