新华鲜报｜天问一号“惊鸿一瞥”！神秘阿特拉斯彗星特征明显

Core Insights - The Tianwen-1 orbiter successfully observed the interstellar object ATLAS, showcasing its comet-like features, which include a nucleus and surrounding coma, at a distance of approximately 30 million kilometers [1][2][5] Group 1: Discovery of ATLAS - ATLAS is the third known interstellar object to visit the solar system, discovered on July 1, 2025, by a telescope in Chile, and is estimated to be between 3 billion to 11 billion years old, potentially older than the solar system itself [1][2] - The high-resolution camera on Tianwen-1 captured significant data, revealing the object's distinct comet characteristics, with a diameter of several thousand kilometers [2][5] Group 2: Preparation and Challenges - The Tianwen-1 orbiter, operational since February 2021, underwent extensive preparations for the ATLAS observation starting in early September, facing challenges akin to "finding a needle in a haystack" due to the object's small size and faint brightness [3][5] - The scientific team conducted simulations and calculations to optimize the imaging strategy, leveraging the orbiter's capabilities to capture images of such a distant and dim target [3][6] Group 3: Technological Significance - This observation marks a significant expansion of Tianwen-1's mission, as the optical payload was originally designed for bright Martian surfaces, making this the first attempt to photograph a distant and relatively faint object [6] - The successful observation of ATLAS serves as a technical trial for future asteroid exploration missions with Tianwen-2, contributing valuable experience for upcoming projects [6]