Inferring the mass and size of 3I/ATLAS from its non-gravitational acceleration.
By: Valentin Thoss, Abraham Loeb, Andreas Burkert
Published: 2026-03-18
View on arXiv →#astro-ph.EP
Abstract
This study investigates the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS by analyzing its observed non-gravitational acceleration, which arises from outgassing. By modeling the production rates of water and carbon dioxide, we derive estimates for its mass and size. These parameters are crucial for understanding the physical properties and potential origin of this unique visitor from another star system, contributing to our knowledge of interstellar population.