NASA's update on interstellar object 3I/ATLAS reveals it is racing through the solar system at 130,000 miles per hour. Hubble Space Telescope imaging has provided the clearest view yet, estimating the object's size between 3.5 miles at most and possibly as small as 1,000 feet. Scientists have concluded it is a comet rather than a solid rock, characterized by a cloud of gases and dust. The observations capture a dust plume and tail, typical of comets, indicating significant activity as it approaches the sun.
3I/ATLAS is moving at a staggering speed of 130,000 miles per hour, making it the fastest interstellar object ever detected.
Hubble's observations reveal that 3I/ATLAS is at most 3.5 miles wide and possibly as small as 1,000 feet, making it the largest interstellar object found.
Scientists are nearly certain that 3I/ATLAS is a comet made of ice, gases, and dust, surrounded by a cloud of evaporating material.
Hubble's image shows a dust plume streaming out of the comet and hints of a tail, consistent with comets near the sun.
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