JWST detection of a carbon dioxide dominated gas coma surrounding interstellar object 3I/ATLAS
Overview
Paper Summary
Observations of interstellar object 3I/ATLAS using the James Webb Space Telescope reveal a coma rich in carbon dioxide, with a CO 2 /H 2 O ratio much higher than typical Solar System comets. This might indicate a different formation environment for 3I/ATLAS, potentially in a CO 2 -rich region of its parent protoplanetary disk or in a low metallicity environment.
Explain Like I'm Five
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers found an interstellar comet with lots of carbon dioxide gas, more than expected compared to local comets. It suggests this interstellar comet may have formed differently than comets in our solar system.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified.
Rating Explanation
This is a significant observation in a newly emerging area of planetary science, and helps constrain models of planet formation.
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