Last week, Comet Atlas (C/2024 G3) reached its closest approach to the Sun, resulting in a significant increase in brightness. However, due to its small angular distance from the Sun, observing it from Earth is challenging. Fortunately, in space, the SOHO spacecraft captured the comet by blocking out the Sun’s intense light.
A composite image reveals multiple comet tails. The white tail consists of dust, while the colored tails are ion tails. Their hues are determined by different substances glowing under solar radiation.
Such observations help scientists study the composition of comets and their interaction with the solar wind, providing valuable insights into the evolution of small bodies in the Solar System.
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