NASA Unveils New Images of Comet 31/ATLAS – Interstellar Object Insights

The Hindu report on NASA’s new images of interstellar Comet 31/ATLAS.

NASA released new images of Comet 31/ATLAS, an interstellar object spotted on July 1. It is only the third known interstellar object identified after ‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov.

NASA space illustration showing magnified view of Comet 31/ATLAS and surrounding cosmic bodies

Key Facts:

NASA released new images of Comet 31/ATLAS, observed by ESA/NASA’s SOHO mission.
31/ATLAS is an interstellar object, meaning it originated from outside the Solar System.
This is the third interstellar object detected so far, after:
- 1I/‘Oumuamua (2017)
- 2I/Borisov (2019)
Interstellar objects are not gravitationally bound to any star.
They can come from other solar systems and enter ours due to gravitational interactions or collisions.
To confirm an object as interstellar, scientists analyze its trajectory.
Solar System objects (planets, asteroids, comets) typically follow closed elliptical orbits.
Interstellar objects follow open hyperbolic orbits, meaning:
They move too fast for the Sun’s gravity to pull them back.
They pass through the Solar System once and escape permanently.
Near the Sun (perihelion), they accelerate; far away (aphelion), they slow down—but interstellar objects don’t remain bound.
High-speed detection makes studying them difficult, but they provide clues to other planetary systems.

Static Information

Source: NASA, ESA, International Astronomical Union (IAU)

An interstellar object (ISO) is a natural object originating outside the Solar System.
‘Oumuamua was the first confirmed ISO—elongated shape, unusual acceleration with no comet tail.
2I/Borisov resembled a typical comet and showed water and CO emissions.
ISOs help scientists understand planet formation, the composition of distant star systems, and galactic dynamics.
Objects on hyperbolic trajectories (eccentricity > 1) are classified as interstellar.
Detection uses telescopes like Pan-STARRS, SOHO, and upcoming surveys like the Vera Rubin Observatory.
Interstellar objects may bring organic material, offering insights into life-building molecules in other star systems.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding interstellar objects:

They follow open hyperbolic orbits and are not gravitationally bound to the Sun.
‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov are examples of interstellar objects detected in the Solar System.
All interstellar objects emit visible cometary tails when they approach the Sun.

Which of the statements are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: A

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