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Mahesh

04/08/24 12:02 PM IST

Saturn threw a comet out of the solar system forever

In News
  • In a stunning astronomical event, scientists have discovered a comet being ejected from the solar system after a close encounter with Saturn. 
Discovery of Comet A117uUD
  • The comet, A117uUD, was discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on June 14, 2024.
  • Researchers studied its path around the Sun using 142 tracking observations.
  • In 2022, A117uUD had a close encounter with Saturn.
  • The planet’s strong gravity changed the comet’s path, sending it into a very elongated orbit and eventually ejecting it from the solar system at a speed of about 10,800 km/h.
  • This event is only the second time scientists have documented a comet being thrown out of the solar system by a planet’s gravity. The first time was with Comet C/1980 E1 (Bowell) and Jupiter in 1980.
Insights from the Ejection
  • Studying A117uUD’s path provides valuable insights into how gravity affects objects in space.
  • This event suggests that comet ejections might happen more often than previously thought, challenging the idea that they are rare.
  • As A117uUD travels into interstellar space, it joins a growing list of objects from outside our solar system, helping scientists learn more about space mechanics and the chances of future encounters with similar objects.
Role of ATLAS
  • The ATLAS system played a crucial role in discovering and monitoring A117uUD, highlighting its importance in expanding our knowledge of the solar system and unusual celestial events.
  • Scientists will continue to observe A117uUD to uncover more mysteries about our solar system and prepare for possible future encounters with interstellar objects.
Source- India Today

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