“We measured the non-gravitational acceleration using long-baseline astrometry,” said Marshall Eubanks, lead author of a paper published in Research Notes of the AAS, in comments to Spaceweather.com. “The results are pretty typical of ordinary comets, and certainly not record-breaking.”
Researchers estimate that 3I/ATLAS has a mass of approximately 44 million metric tons and a radius ranging from 260 to 370 meters, placing it well within the expected parameters for a comet nucleus.
Despite its unusual origin, scientists say the evidence “puts to rest” claims that the object is artificial or alien in nature.
The Virtual Telescope Project Watch 3I/ATLAS Live
Skywatchers have several ways to witness this rare event. The Virtual Telescope Project will host a live YouTube stream beginning at 04:00 UTC on Dec. 19 (11:00 p.m. EST on Dec. 18). It will allow viewers worldwide to see the comet in real time.
👉 Home – The Virtual Telescope Project 2.0: https://www.virtualtelescope.eu
For those seeking an in-person experience, the RESET Hotel in Twentynine Palms, California, near Joshua Tree National Park, will host a special skywatching event from Dec. 19–21, featuring guided observations using advanced Celestron telescopes.
