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Hubble reveals mysterious twin jets on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured rare and detailed images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, revealing two opposing jets of gas and dust that alternate in brightness in a puzzling rhythmic pattern. This phenomenon, never before observed in such a form, has raised new questions about how interstellar comets behave when interacting with solar radiation.
The high-resolution images, taken on December 12 and 27, show both jets maintaining a stable structure while one brightens as the other dims. Scientists believe this anti-correlated variation reflects a rotating nucleus that exposes different active regions as it spins, creating a visual effect of synchronized alternation. The consistent geometry of the jets suggests that their intensity changes are driven by rotation rather than random outgassing.
This newly detected double-jet system is accompanied by a distinctive sunward anti-tail an unusual phenomenon where dust and gas are concentrated in a direction facing the Sun rather than trailing behind. Researchers confirmed that this structure is a genuine physical feature, not an optical illusion, giving further insight into the comet's composition and behavior as it passes through the solar system.
The comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar object ever detected. It was discovered on July 1 by the ATLAS survey in Chile and quickly drew attention for its unpredictable outbursts. Observations from July to September indicated a rotation period of roughly 15 hours and 30 minutes. Recent Hubble data have solidified this estimate, providing the most detailed view yet of the comet’s evolving morphology.
NASA scientists affirm that 3I/ATLAS is entirely natural, describing its chemical profile as consistent with that of known comets, albeit with slightly unusual levels of carbon dioxide and nickel. Experts conclude that it follows the familiar behavior of a comet, dispelling any speculation about artificial origins.
Now moving away from its closest point to Earth, which it reached on December 19, 3I/ATLAS is heading toward Jupiter. It is expected to pass within 54 million kilometers of the gas giant by March 2026, potentially within view of NASA’s Juno spacecraft. From there, it will continue beyond the outer planets, leaving the solar system permanently by the end of the decade.
Through these observations, Hubble continues to demonstrate its unmatched ability to study transient cosmic visitors, providing astronomers with rare glimpses into the behavior and composition of objects born far beyond our solar neighborhood.
