Get the latest Science News and Discoveries
Europa Clipper and Hera could be used for in-situ observations of the ion tail of Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS in Oct-Nov (when both spacecrafts are predicted to be immersed in the tail), per new study. The encounters would be the first ever direct immersion in material from an Interstellar object
During October - November 2025, interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, will pass upstream of the Europa Clipper and Hera spacecraft. Here, we identify two potential opportunities for in-situ observations of 3I's ion tail by immersion, facilitated by the close alignment between the comet's hyperbolic trajectory with the ecliptic plane. During the period 30 October - 6 November 2025, it is predicted that Europa Clipper will potentially be immersed within the ion tail of 3I/ATLAS, providing the opportunity to detect the signatures of an interstellar comet's ion tail. Characteristic changes to the solar wind are also expected to be observed; a magnetic draping structure associated with the comet may be identifiable. It is further predicted that spacecraft Hera will possibly be immersed within the ion tail of 3I/ATLAS during the period 25 October - 1 November 2025.
None
Or read this on r/Space
