Summary
The European Space Agency (ESA) has observed comet 3I/ATLAS using a spacecraft orbiting Mars to improve predictions of its path as part of a planetary defense test. The data collection involves collaboration with NASA and marks the first submission of such measurements to the Minor Planet Center database from a spacecraft around another planet. The comet, which poses no threat, will be visible again from Earth in December.
Key Facts
- The ESA used its ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter to study comet 3I/ATLAS.
- The observations help improve the accuracy of predicting the comet's path.
- The comet passed 29 million km from Mars on its closest approach.
- The ESA coordinated with NASA for this planetary defense test.
- This is the first time measurements from a Mars-orbiting spacecraft have entered the Minor Planet Center database.
- The comet will become visible from Earth again in December.
- The data collection is part of an effort to prepare for potential future threats from space objects.
