Summary
Frincke & Seligman present a generalized mathematical framework for calculating the radius change and mass loss of any small body on an arbitrary trajectory experiencing outgassing. Applied to 3i-atlas, the framework uses a comprehensive machine-readable table of all reported volatile and refractory production rates (pre- and post-perihelion) to estimate that the object shed ~1.05–6.56 meters of surface material during its Solar System passage, corresponding to ~10⁹–10¹⁰ kg and ~0.10–1.13% of its total mass. Conservative and optimistic estimates bracket a range of heliocentric distances defined by observed activity onset versus theoretical sublimation onset per species. Post-perihelion observations are interpreted as sampling layers exposed to galactic cosmic ray processing during its interstellar journey, offering a window into 3i-atlas’s history before entering our Solar System.
Key Claims
- 3i-atlas lost approximately 1.05–6.56 meters of surface radius during its Solar System passage. (Frincke & Seligman)
- Total mass loss is estimated at ~10⁹–10¹⁰ kg, representing ~0.10–1.13% of total mass — these figures may be lower bounds if the dust-to-gas ratio was high. (Frincke & Seligman)
- Post-perihelion measurements likely originated from subsurface layers that experienced galactic cosmic ray processing during the interstellar journey. (Frincke & Seligman)
- A comprehensive machine-readable table of all reported production rates (pre- and post-perihelion) is provided for community use. (Frincke & Seligman)
- The framework is general and applicable to any small body experiencing mass loss, not only interstellar comets. (Frincke & Seligman)
Notable Quotes
“Formed from the debris of planet formation, interstellar comets provide invaluable insights into the chemical compositions of planetary systems outside of our Solar System.” — Frincke & Seligman