Astronomers have managed to capture an image of what is believed to be an interstellar comet hurtling through our solar system.
The Gemini Observatory in Hawaii released the snapshot which was grabbed using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph located on Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano and the highest point in the state.
‘This image was possible because of Gemini’s ability to rapidly adjust observations and observe objects like this, which have very short windows of visibility,’ said Andrew Stephens of Gemini Observatory in a statement.
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Astronomers have captured a more in-depth look at what is believed to the second-known interstellar object to fly through our solar system
Stephens added that the shot was taken on extremely short notice, with astronomers getting the final details of the comet at 3 am on September 10, a little less than two hours before the object was observed.
With additional visual details, the observatory says they have provided even more evidence that the object is a comet with a ‘pronounced tail’ that they say is indicative of ‘outgassing’ — the release of frozen gasses on the comet.
Astronomers say the current position of the object, dubbed C/2019 Q4, make for difficult observations, since its proximity to the sun creates is crating a twilight.
Given its ‘hyperbolic’ path however, they say there will still be plenty of viewing opportunities in the months ahead.
Last week the Minor Planet Center confirmed that the object, which was spotted at the end of August by amateur astronomer, Gennady Borisov, in Crimea, is likely the second known interstellar object to make a pit stop in our corner of the galaxy.
Estimates on C/2019 Q4 project that the object could remain within our solar system for between six months to a full year, meaning astronomers may be able to get a particularly good look at its features, on its brightness
On Thursday last week, the center released an official ‘circular’ — a document detailing information on the object’s orbit — which highlighted the apparent comet’s eccentric pattern.
‘Based on the available observations, the orbit solution for this object has converged to the hyperbolic elements shown below, which would indicate an interstellar origin.’ reads document.
While that hyperbolic pattern — which differs from the elliptical shape of objects in our solar system — shows that the object will likely leave our solar system for good, it also portends a longer stay and much more in-depth look than previous interstellar travelers.
Estimates on C/2019 Q4 project that the object could remain within our solar system for between six months to a full year, meaning astronomers may be able to get a particularly good look at its features, on its brightness.
On Thursday, the center released an official ‘circular’ — a document detailing information on the object’s orbit — which highlighted the apparent comet’s eccentric pattern. The faint object is circled above
‘We don’t know how bright it’s going to be. That’s always an issue with comets, so you’ve got that unpredictability, combined with the fact that it is interstellar. And this is the first interstellar comet we’ve seen,’ astronomy-software developer Bill Gray, told Forbes.
Previously, astronomers identified an asteroid-like rock known as Oumuamua, the first known interstellar object to pass through our solar system.
The mysterious cigar-shaped projectile, formally named object 1I/2017 U1, resembles both a comet and an asteroid, however, it doesn’t conform to many of the other defining features usually associated with these objects, including its direction of spin and lack of a tail.
Previously, astronomers identified an asteroid-like rock known as Oumuamua, the first known interstellar object to pass through our solar system. An artist’s impression of Oumuamua is pictured
Conversely, when astronomers spotted Oumuamua, they had just three weeks to observe it before it left our solar system.
Professional stargazer Robert Weryk first spotted the interstellar traveler in October, 2017 at the University of Hawaii’s Haleakala Observatory.
Researchers had just weeks to collect as much data as possible before the strange visitor traveled beyond the reach of Earth’s telescopes.
The object is now out of sight but could take up to 20,000 years before it leaves our solar system onto its next destination.
Interstellar objects like the ones recently discovered are particularly exciting for astronomers since they offer a rare, glimpse of what other parts of the galaxy may look like.
Astronomers will now be able to compare their findings on Oumuamua with the most recent specimen.
