The latest X-ray image of Comet 3I/ATLAS is unlike any other comet.
The latest X-ray image of Comet 3I/ATLAS reveals several characteristics that differ from those of typical comets:
1. Spherical Glow Without a Tail
Instead of a long comet tail, the X-ray shows a dense, nearly circular glow.
2. Highly Concentrated Brightness
The red emission is concentrated at the center, unlike the diffuse flares found in most cometary X-ray halos.
3. No Visible Jets or Structures
There are no visible jets or protrusions, just a smooth, uniform glow.
4. Small Emission Region
The X-ray glow is small and lacks the large cloud of gas usually seen around comets.
5. A uniform background.
The surrounding area shows no arcs or arc-shaped shock patterns, which are typically seen in the solar wind of comets.
All of this leads us to ask: What exactly is 3I/ATLAS?