Скачать или смотреть China's Tianwen-1 Captures Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: A Rare Opportunity for Science

China's Tianwen-1 mission has achieved an incredible feat by capturing images of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. This comet-like ISO was observed from a distance of 30 million km, making it one of the closest observations since its detection. The images showcase the comet's tail and gaseous coma, and were even stitched into an animation.
The challenge of imaging 3I/ATLAS was immense due to its small size and high speeds. The Tianwen-1 orbiter's High-Resolution Imaging Camera (HiRIC) was designed for bright Martian features, but its capabilities were pushed to the limit.
This event offers a glimpse into the future of space exploration, with missions like China's Tianwen-2 and ESA's Comet Interceptor aiming to study Near Earth Asteroids and comets. Intercepting ISOs provides a unique opportunity to understand the conditions in other star systems, without the need for expensive and time-consuming interstellar missions.
Join us as we delve into the significance of this observation and the exciting possibilities it presents for astronomical research.