The solar system is currently welcoming its second ever-recorded interstellar guest- 2l/Borisov. 2l/Borisov is the name of a comet, which came from a nearby solar system. Recently, scientists were able to take the detailed photograph of the comet from an astronomical telescope situated in Hawaii.
The interstellar object started its journey long ago when it narrowly escaped a potential collision with a planet situated in its solar system. Currently, the comet is traveling through our solar system, but it will again go back to the interstellar space, owing to its trajectory and speed.
More about the Alien Comet
During late December, the comet will position nearest to the earth. Scientists are predicting the distance to be 177 million miles between the two objects. On the 8th of December, it will be in the closest position to Sun, when the comet will pass the asteroid belt situated between Mars and Jupiter. The recently clicked image shows that the interstellar comet is already facing the heat of the Sun, as it is releasing dust and gas particles due to the effect of the heatwave.
The size of the comet is huge. Its elongated tail is around 1,00,000 miles long, which is roughly 14 times bigger than the earth. Whereas, its nucleus is only 0.4 miles to 2 miles in length.
Scientists in September this year detected the comet. The emergence of 2l/Borisov is the second instance when the solar system has an outer space guest. Oumuamua was the first interstellar object that rushed to our solar system. Scientists detected Oumuamua during September 2017. But, scientists were unclear about the first object. Some of the scientists predicted the purpose to be a comet, whereas many were skeptical about the idea. Astronomers predict that they might see multiple outer space objects in the future as well. The study will develop understandings about the fundamental building blocks of planets and other celestial bodies from outer space.
