Extreme Negative Polarisation of New Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

Authors:
  • ZGZuri Gray
    Zuri Gray
  • SBStefano Bagnulo
    Stefano Bagnulo
  • GBGalin Borisov
    Galin Borisov
  • YKYuna G. Kwon
    Yuna G. Kwon
  • ACAlberto Cellino
    Alberto Cellino
  • LKLudmilla Kolokolova
    Ludmilla Kolokolova
  • RDRosemary C. Dorsey
    Rosemary C. Dorsey
  • GFGrigori Fedorets
    Grigori Fedorets
  • MGMikael Granvik
    Mikael Granvik
  • OMOlga Muñoz
    Olga Muñoz
  • PBPhilippe Bendjoya
    Philippe Bendjoya
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Abstract
We present the first polarimetric observations of the third discovered interstellar object, 3I/ATLAS (C/2025 N1), obtained pre-perihelion with FORS2/VLT, ALFOSC/NOT, and FoReRo2/RCC, over a phase angle range of 7.7-22.4°. This marks the second ever polarimetric study of an interstellar object, the first distinguishing 2I/Borisov from most Solar System comets by its higher positive polarisation. Our polarimetric measurements as a function of phase angle reveal that 3I is characterised by an deep and narrow negative polarisation branch, reaching a minimum value of -2.7% at phase angle 7°, and an inversion angle of 17° -- a combination unprecedented among asteroids and comets, including 2I/Borisov. At very small phase angles, the extrapolated slope of the polarisation phase curve is consistent with that of certain small trans-Neptunian objects and Centaur Pholus, consistent with independent spectroscopic evidence for a red, possibly water-ice-bearing object. Imaging confirms a diffuse coma present from our earliest observations, though no strong polarimetric features are spatial resolved. These findings may demonstrate that 3I represents a distinct type of comet, expanding the diversity of known interstellar bodies.
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