The First Interstellar Comet Could Disintegrate When it Gets Close to the Sun

Comet 2I/Borisov has a lot in common with comets from our own solar system. That could be a sign the alien comet will burn up on its closest approach to the sun.

By Mara Johnson-Groh
Dec 2, 2019 4:00 PMDec 2, 2019 5:07 PM
Borisov interstellar alien comet
In November 2019, astronomers captured the best images yet of Comet 2I/Borisov, an interstellar space rock passing through our solar system. (Credit: P. van Dokkum, G. Laughlin, C. Hsieh, S. Danieli/Yale University)

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In September, astronomers announced the discovery of the first interstellar comet known to have visited our solar system. Named 2I/Borisov after its Ukrainian discoverer, the comet has an extremely extended orbit — a telltale sign that its origin is from outside our solar system, beyond the sun's influence. 

In the months since, astronomers have been measuring the comet’s every move as it heads toward perihelion — the point in its orbit closest to the sun. It should make that approach in early December. By studying Borisov’s movement, brightness and chemical makeup, scientists have found it’s not that different from comets in our own solar system. And that may also mean it could make a dramatic spectacle as it nears the sun.

Here’s a recap of what astronomers have discovered to date, and what to look out for in the coming weeks. 

‘Oumuamua, the first known interstellar visitor, is seen venting gas and dust in this artist’s concept. Another alien space rock, the first for-sure interstellar comet, Borisov, was announced in September 2019. (Credit: ESA/Hubble, NASA, ESO, M. Kornmesser)
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