Scientists discuss whether interstellar object 3I/ATLAS can be seen from the ground. About this reported on the Telegram channel of the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Institute for Space Research (IKI) RAS.
According to scientists, this object will not be visible to the naked eye, even when 3I/ATLAS is closest to Earth. However, it can be viewed through a telescope, but even in this case the image will not be detailed.
“As of today, the magnitude of 3I/ATLAS is about magnitude 11–12. This means that to observe at least the nucleus of a comet (a faint, slightly dim “star”) will require a telescope with an aperture of 120 mm or more and some experience in handling them,” said IKI RAS.
Scientists also explained that the day 3I/ATLAS made its closest approach to Earth was not the ideal time to observe the object. As reported by IKI RAS, on December 10, the comet will indeed approach our planet at a minimum distance, but it will not be significantly different from the position where the object was already.
3I/ATLAS is a cometary cosmic body seen in the Solar System. According to the main version, this object is a comet from another star system and its approximate age exceeds that of the Sun, which makes 3I/ATLAS likely the oldest comet ever observed by humanity. At the same time, the theory that 3I/ATLAS may have an artificial origin has become popular on social networks.
