X-Side of 3I/Atlas: MEDIA INAF
- This article details the groundbreaking observation of interstellar comet 3I/Atlas in X-rays, a first for objects originating from outside our solar system.
- * First X-ray Detection: Comet 3I/Atlas has been observed across the electromagnetic spectrum, but this is the first time it has been detected in X-rays.
- The article also includes an image of the comet captured in X-ray light by the Xtend telescope.
Comet 3I/Atlas Observed in X-rays for the First Time
This article details the groundbreaking observation of interstellar comet 3I/Atlas in X-rays, a first for objects originating from outside our solar system. Here’s a summary of the key points:
* First X-ray Detection: Comet 3I/Atlas has been observed across the electromagnetic spectrum, but this is the first time it has been detected in X-rays.
* Telescope Used: The observation was made by the Xtend telescope,one of the instruments aboard the Jaxa-led Xrism mission (in collaboration with ESA and NASA). Xtend specializes in soft X-rays.
* Observation Details: The observations took place between November 26-28, totaling 17 hours of exposure, as part of a “target of possibility” program – meaning the observation was added due to its scientific importance.
* X-ray Emission structure: The Xtend telescope revealed an X-ray emission structure extending approximately 400,000 kilometers around the comet, within a field of view of three million kilometers.
* Research Goal: Researchers aim to determine if interstellar comets emit X-rays in the same way as comets within our solar system, or if they exhibit different behavior.
* Publication: The findings where published on December 3rd via the Astronomer’s Telegram (ATel #17523).
The article also includes an image of the comet captured in X-ray light by the Xtend telescope.