First interstellar comet captured in a multicolored image

The very first comet beyond our solar system has been successfully reproduced by the Gemini Observatory in many colors. The image of the newly discovered object, noted C / 2019 Q4 (Borisov), was obtained on the night of 9 to 10 September using the Gemini multi-object spectrograph of the Gemini North telescope, located at Maunakea, Hawaii.

"This image was made possible thanks to Gemini's ability to quickly adjust observations and observe such objects, which have a very short window of visibility," said Andrew Stephens of Gemini Observatory, who coordinated the sightings . "However, we really had to fight for this one because we got the last details at 3 o'clock in the morning and we watched them at 4:45!"

The image shows a very pronounced tail, revealing a degassing, which defines a cometary object. This is the first time that an interstellar visitor of our solar system clearly shows a tail due to a degassing. The only other interstellar visitor studied in our solar system was' Oumuamua, a very elongated object similar to an asteroid, with no apparent degassing.

The Gemini observations used for this image were obtained in two color bands (filters) and combined to produce a color image. The observations were obtained as part of an opportunity opportunity program led by Piotr Guzik and Michal Drahus at the Jagiellonian University of Krakow (Poland). The research team submitted an article for publication.

C / 2019 Q4 is currently close to the apparent position of the Sun in our sky and is therefore difficult to observe due to the glow of twilight. The hyperbolic trajectory of the comet, which bears witness to its origin beyond our solar system, will bring it to more favorable observing conditions in the coming months.

C / 2019 Q4 was discovered by Russian amateur astronomer Gennady Borisov on August 30, 2019.