Two space probes navigating through the solar system might have a unique opportunity to enter the tail of a comet, the size of Manhattan, that’s heading towards Earth. However, this would require the scientists managing these probes to make swift course adjustments.
The Hera and Europa Clipper spacecraft are currently on distinct missions, but a recent study published in the American Astronomical Society’s Research Notes indicates they’re well-positioned to explore remnants of the comet 3I/ATLAS scattered across the solar system.
In the upcoming weeks, both spacecraft will glide through space near 3I/ATLAS, trailing particles along their path. This presents a once-in-a-lifetime chance for researchers to venture directly into a comet’s tail.
Instead of flying directly into the tail, however, the spacecraft will traverse an area where particles may have been carried away by the solar wind from the sun. The region where these particles are dispersed is roughly 5 million miles from the comet but still offers the probes a chance to gather significant data from the remnants left in its wake.
Since its discovery in June, 3I/ATLAS has intrigued scientists. While it’s generally accepted as a comet, its unpredictable behavior and unusual composition have led some, including Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, to wonder if it could be an alien creation or probe.
It’s anticipated that the comet will approach Earth closely by the end of October. Yet, during this period, it will be concealed by the sun, making it tricky for Earth-based observations.
The comet has also been emitting a nickel alloy, typically associated with human-made materials. Additionally, it has previously shown an “antitail,” which, according to Loeb, might indicate a sort of “brake-thrust” mechanism.
The Hera and Europa Clipper could be key to gathering information from such celestial bodies. However, there’s a sense of urgency. They have only a couple of weeks to adjust their trajectories towards the comet’s tail.
That being said, the Hera spacecraft might not really have what it needs for this particular task. It’s primarily focused on studying asteroids and lacks suitable instruments for detecting particles from 3I/ATLAS. On the flip side, the Europa Clipper, which is designed to analyze the icy surfaces of Jupiter’s moon Europa, appears to have the right tools for the job.
