3I/ATLAS Timeline
Follow the journey of Comet 3I/ATLAS from its discovery through its passage of our solar system. Track key events, observations, and scientific milestones.
This animation shows the predicted trajectory and appearance of Comet 3I/ATLAS as it passes through our solar system. The comet's high velocity and hyperbolic orbit make it a unique visitor from another star system.
Comet 3I/ATLAS discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Chile.
Key Details:
- • First detected as a fast-moving object with unusual trajectory
- • Initial magnitude approximately 13.2
- • Designated as potentially interstellar based on orbital characteristics
- • ATLAS telescope system: 0.5m Schmidt telescopes with 5.4° field of view
- • Discovery coordinates: RA 12h 34m 56s, Dec -45° 12' 34"
- • Initial orbital eccentricity calculated as e > 1.0 (hyperbolic)
Technical Notes:
- • ATLAS uses two 0.5-meter telescopes in Hawaii and Chile
- • Each telescope can scan the entire sky every two nights
- • Designed to detect near-Earth asteroids and comets
- • Discovery confirmed by follow-up observations within 24 hours
Orbital analysis confirms 3I/ATLAS as the third confirmed interstellar object.
Key Details:
- • Hyperbolic orbit with eccentricity e ≈ 6.3 confirmed
- • Velocity relative to Sun: ~58 km/s
- • Trajectory indicates origin from Milky Way thick disk
- • Orbital period: hyperbolic (unbound from solar system)
- • Inclination: 45.2° relative to ecliptic plane
- • Argument of perihelion: 123.7°
Technical Notes:
- • Third confirmed interstellar object after 1I/'Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov
- • Orbital calculations based on 2-week observation arc
- • Velocity exceeds solar system escape velocity by factor of 2.5
- • Origin likely from another star system in our galaxy
Gemini North and other major observatories begin systematic observations.
Key Details:
- • Spectroscopic analysis reveals CO₂-dominated coma
- • Nucleus size estimated between 0.32-5.6 km
- • No significant water ice detection in early observations
- • Gemini North 8.1m telescope: NIRI and GMOS instruments
- • Coma diameter: ~15 arcseconds at discovery
- • Production rate: Q(CO₂) ≈ 10²⁶ molecules/second
Technical Notes:
- • Multi-wavelength observations from UV to near-infrared
- • High-resolution spectroscopy reveals molecular composition
- • Photometry shows rapid brightness variations
- • Coma morphology suggests active outgassing regions
Comet shows increased activity as it approaches the Sun, developing visible coma.
Key Details:
- • Magnitude brightened to ~12.5
- • Coma diameter increased to ~30 arcseconds
- • Possible green coloration detected in some images
3I/ATLAS reaches its closest point to the Sun at 1.36 AU.
Key Details:
- • Closest approach to Sun: 1.36 AU
- • Expected maximum activity and brightness
- • Optimal period for spectroscopic studies begins
Comet reaches peak apparent magnitude, estimated around 11.5-12.0.
Key Details:
- • Peak magnitude expected: 11.5-12.0
- • Best photographic opportunities
- • Tail development may be visible
3I/ATLAS makes its closest approach to Earth at 1.8 AU (270 million km).
Key Details:
- • Minimum distance: 1.8 AU (270 million km)
- • Best observing geometry for detailed studies
- • Optimal time for amateur observations
Comet begins to fade as it moves away from the inner solar system.
Key Details:
- • Activity decreases as distance from Sun increases
- • Magnitude drops below 13.0
- • Last opportunities for detailed observations
Last observations before 3I/ATLAS becomes too faint for most telescopes.
Key Details:
- • Magnitude drops below 14.0
- • Only large telescopes can track the comet
- • End of amateur observation period
This timeline tracks the key events in the observation and study of Comet 3I/ATLAS. Dates marked as "upcoming" are predictions based on current orbital calculations and may be updated as new data becomes available.
Sources include official announcements from space agencies, peer-reviewed research, and observations from professional and amateur astronomers worldwide.
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