新华鲜报丨天问一号“惊鸿一瞥”！神秘阿特拉斯彗星特征明显

Core Insights - China's Tianwen-1 successfully observed the interstellar object Atlas, showcasing its comet-like features, marking a significant achievement in space exploration [1][3]. Group 1: Observation Details - The Tianwen-1 orbiter utilized a high-resolution camera to capture images of Atlas from approximately 30 million kilometers away, making it one of the closest observations of the object to date [1][3]. - The images revealed distinct comet characteristics, including a nucleus and surrounding coma, with a diameter of several thousand kilometers [3]. Group 2: Background on 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 believed to be between 3 billion and 11 billion years old [2]. - The object is considered a rare sample for studying the composition and evolution of exoplanets and early stellar history [2]. Group 3: Preparation and Challenges - The Tianwen-1 mission has been operational since February 2021 and has been preparing for the Atlas observation since early September [4]. - The observation posed significant challenges due to the object's distance, high relative speed, and low brightness, requiring advanced imaging strategies and precise control of the orbiter's orientation [4]. Group 4: Technological Significance - The high-resolution camera on Tianwen-1 was originally designed for capturing bright Martian surfaces, making this observation of a distant and dim target a pioneering effort [7]. - The successful observation of Atlas serves as a crucial test for future asteroid exploration missions, particularly for the upcoming Tianwen-2 mission [7].