Comet 3I/ATLAS Is Accelerating. Here's What That Means
Summary
Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object passing through our solar system, is accelerating due to gas released from its surface as it nears the Sun. It will come closest to Earth on December 19 but poses no threat, remaining over 170 million miles away. First detected in July, this comet travels on a path that takes it beyond the Sun's gravity.Key Facts
- 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet entering our solar system.
- The comet is accelerating because the Sun causes it to release gas.
- Scientists recently detected this non-gravitational acceleration.
- 3I/ATLAS came closest to the Sun in late October.
- The comet will be closest to Earth on December 19, at 170 million miles.
- It was first discovered in July by NASA's telescope in Chile.
- 3I/ATLAS travels too fast to be trapped by the Sun's gravity and will exit the solar system.
- The comet currently travels at a speed of about 153,000 miles per hour.
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