1. Context
NASA released new images of Comet 3I/Atlas, the third known interstellar object after 1I/‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
It originated outside our solar system.
2. What is a Comet?
An icy, dusty body that orbits the Sun and forms a glowing tail when heated.
3. Key Points
✔ 3I/Atlas – Interstellar Comet
• Detected on July 1.
• Formed in another star system; entered ours via gravitational push.
✔ Interstellar Objects
• Originate beyond the solar system.
• Not bound to the Sun’s gravity.
• Ejected/slingshotted from other systems or by collisions.
✔ How Identified
• Solar-system bodies → closed elliptical orbits.
• Interstellar objects → open hyperbolic orbit (Sun’s gravity cannot retain them).✔ Why Important
• Reveal how other planetary systems form,
• Provide clues on extrastellar materials,
• Help study object movement between star systems.
