NASA exoplanet probe tracks interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS to gauge its spin

The Cosmic Connection: How NASA's TESS Spacecraft Helped Track an Interstellar Comet

In a remarkable display of celestial detective work, NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has provided astronomers with a unique opportunity to study an interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, as it hurtled out of our solar system. The TESS spacecraft, designed to search for exoplanets, has proven to be a versatile tool for tracking and studying a wide range of celestial objects, including comets and asteroids.

The Discovery of 3I/ATLAS

Comet 3I/ATLAS was first discovered in May 2025, two months before TESS observed it. The comet was initially thought to be a member of the solar system, but further observations revealed that it was actually an interstellar visitor, originating from outside our solar system. The discovery of 3I/ATLAS was a significant event in the field of astronomy, as it provided scientists with a unique opportunity to study an object that had traveled through interstellar space.

TESS's Role in Tracking 3I/ATLAS

TESS's wide field of view and consistent monitoring made it an ideal tool for tracking 3I/ATLAS as it moved through the sky. The spacecraft's observations were used to create a 28-hour video that shows the comet's trajectory, providing scientists with valuable insights into its activity and rotation. The video, compiled by Daniel Muthukrishna of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), includes a time jump from January 15 to January 18, due to an issue with TESS's solar panels that caused the spacecraft to enter "safe mode."

The Science Behind TESS's Observations

TESS's measurements of 3I/ATLAS's brightness put it at about 11.5 in apparent magnitude, roughly 100 times fainter than what we can see with the naked eye. The spacecraft's observations also revealed that the comet's activity and rotation are closely linked, with the comet's core spinning rapidly as it sheds dust and gas. The data collected by TESS will be used to study the comet's activity and rotation in more detail, providing scientists with a better understanding of the processes that shape the comet's behavior.

The Implications of TESS's Observations

The discovery of 3I/ATLAS and TESS's observations of the comet have significant implications for our understanding of the solar system and the universe as a whole. The comet's interstellar origin provides scientists with a unique opportunity to study an object that has traveled through interstellar space, providing insights into the conditions and processes that shape the universe. The data collected by TESS will also be used to study the comet's activity and rotation in more detail, providing scientists with a better understanding of the processes that shape the comet's behavior.

The Future of TESS and Interstellar Research

TESS's observations of 3I/ATLAS demonstrate the spacecraft's versatility and its ability to track and study a wide range of celestial objects. The spacecraft's wide field of view and consistent monitoring make it an ideal tool for tracking and studying interstellar objects, providing scientists with valuable insights into the conditions and processes that shape the universe. As TESS continues to observe the sky, it will provide scientists with a wealth of data and insights into the universe, shedding light on the mysteries of the cosmos.