NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has just spotted an extraordinary interstellar visitor named 3I/ATLAS heading into our solar system. This rare object is only the third interstellar comet ever detected, following the famous
‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, making it a truly historic discovery for astronomers and space enthusiasts worldwide.
3I/ATLAS is massive, with estimates ranging from several hundred meters to over five kilometres in diameter, making it one of the largest interstellar objects ever observed. Unlike regular comets that mostly release water vapor
3I/ATLAS has an unusually high level of carbon dioxide, giving scientists a unique glimpse into the chemistry of objects formed in other star systems. Its composition could reveal secrets about the origins of our galaxy and the building blocks of planets and life.