Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) have conducted detailed observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS using ISRO’s 1.2-meter telescope at Mount Abu. Researchers say the study will help understand how matter forms outside the solar system and how interstellar comets evolve as they pass through the inner solar system. Comet moving away after Perihelion The PRL team observed the comet from November 12 to 15, 2025, in both imaging and spectroscopy modes. Findings show that 3I/ATLAS recently crossed its closest point to the Sun and is now moving away. Only three interstellar comets have ever been discovered, 3I/ATLAS, identified during the ATLAS survey in July 2025, is traveling in a hyperbolic orbit and will not return to the solar system. Scientists say its 3,500-year-old icy material and distinct chemistry offer a rare opportunity to study matter formed around another star. Nearly spherical ‘coma’ seen in false-color images False-color images captured from Mount Abu show a nearly spherical coma surrounding the comet. This bright envelope of gas and dust forms when surface ice Sublimates due to the Sun’s heat. The images also reveal an ion tail—created when solar wind pushes ionized gases away from the comet. A dust tail, if present, is expected to appear in the direction opposite the Sun. CN, C₂ and C₃ signatures detected in Spectroscopy PRL scientists collected spectroscopic data shortly before dawn, recording clear signatures of CN, C₂ and C₃ molecular bands. These emissions are common in solar-system comets and are key in determining chemical composition. Using these spectral lines, the team also calculated the comet’s gas production rate, which indicates the level of its ongoing activity. Mount Abu observatory’s role Located at 1,680 meters near Gurushikhar in Rajasthan’s Sirohi district, the Mount Abu observatory has contributed significantly to exoplanet detection, solar-system studies and observations of transient astronomical events. PRL’s 1.2-meter telescope has captured data from several rare phenomena over the years, with the 3I/ATLAS observation being its latest major contribution. NASA to release Mars-orbit images tonight NASA has announced a media conference for tonight, where it will release images of 3I/ATLAS captured from Mars orbit during the comet’s perihelion passage. Scientists consider these images highly valuable for understanding the comet’s behaviour as it interacted with the Sun at its closest point.
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