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Updated: Nov 11, 2025

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Published on: July 1, 2019
Unusual polarimetric properties for interstellar comet 2I/Borisov
S Bagnulo1, A Cellino2, L Kolokolova3
1Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, College Hill, Armagh, UK. stefano.bagnulo@armagh.ac.uk.
Interstellar comet 2I/Borisov exhibits higher dust particle polarization than Solar System comets. Its homogeneous coma suggests 2I/Borisov is a pristine object, offering unique insights into cometary origins.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Planetary Science
- Cometary Science
Background:
- Only two interstellar objects, 1I/'Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, have been observed in our Solar System.
- 1I/'Oumuamua displayed asteroidal traits, while 2I/Borisov showed clear cometary activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physical characteristics of dust particles in comet 2I/Borisov's coma.
- To compare the polarimetric properties of 2I/Borisov with Solar System comets.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polarimetric observations of comet 2I/Borisov.
- Employed the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT).
Main Results:
- Comet 2I/Borisov's dust particle polarization is higher than typically observed for Solar System comets.
- This high polarization distinguishes 2I/Borisov from dynamically evolved comets.
- Its polarimetric properties are similar only to comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp).
Conclusions:
- Comet 2I/Borisov is a unique interstellar object with distinct cometary activity.
- The homogeneous coma of 2I/Borisov indicates it is a pristine object, preserving primordial material.
- Its properties offer valuable insights into the composition and evolution of objects from other star systems.
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