ESA’s ExoMars and Mars Express Observe Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

🌌 A Visitor from Beyond the Solar System

3I/ATLAS is only the third known interstellar object** to pass through our solar system, following  Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019). The I in its name denotes its **interstellar origin**, meaning it likely originated from outside our solar system, possibly from another star.

The comet's high velocity and unique trajectory confirmed its extrasolar origin, making it a valuable target for scientific observation.

 🔭 Eyes from Mars

While most telescopic observations of interstellar objects come from Earth, this time ESA took advantage of a unique opportunity: observing the comet from Mars orbit.

The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), known for studying trace gases like methane in Mars' atmosphere, turned its instruments toward the comet.
Meanwhile, Mars Express**, ESA’s veteran orbiter at Mars since 2003, also joined in the campaign, using its imaging and spectrometric tools to study 3I/ATLAS from a different vantage point.

This provided dual-point observations from Martian orbit—something never done before with an interstellar object.

 🧪 What Scientists Hope to Learn

Observing an interstellar comet like 3I/ATLAS offers a unique scientific opportunity. These objects carry material from other star systems, possibly offering clues about:

 The composition of other planetary systems
 The formation processes of comets beyond our solar system
 Potential differences in organic molecules or isotopes

By observing the comet’s **coma (gas cloud) and tail, researchers aim to compare its chemical makeup with that of solar system comets.

🚀 Looking Ahead

ESA's ability to redirect Mars-orbiting spacecraft for deep space observations highlights the flexibility and value of long-term missions. As more interstellar objects are discovered, possibly at increasing frequency with improved surveys, missions like Mars Express and ExoMars TGO may continue to play a vital role in planetary and interstellar science

3I/ATLAS may be just passing through, but its brief visit is helping humanity look farther—and learn more—than ever before.