Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Reveals Wobbling Jets in Sun-Facing Tail
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known visitor from beyond our solar system, has displayed unprecedented "wobbling jet" activity within its rare sun-facing anti-tail, offering unique insights into exoplanetary material. This phenomenon allowed scientists to determine its nucleus rotation period.
- 3I/ATLAS is the third confirmed interstellar object observed in our solar system.
- Rare 'anti-tail' points towards the Sun, defying typical cometary behavior.
- Wobbling jets within the anti-tail shift rhythmically every 7 hours 45 minutes.
- Jet precession helps determine the comet's nucleus rotates every 15.5 hours.
- Particles shed by 3I/ATLAS are larger than common sunlight-scattering dust.
- Observations provide a unique glimpse into matter formed in another star system.
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