A research team led by NASA scientists utilized the James Webb Space Telescope to examine the gases venting from 3I/ATLAS in late December 2025. The analysis revealed an unusually high deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio alongside low carbon-13 levels, pointing toward an origin in an ancient, low-metallicity cosmic nursery. The comet, which poses no danger to Earth, made its closest approach to the Sun around October 30 at a distance of 1.4 astronomical units, placing it inside Mars's orbit.
Key points
Chemical signatures indicate the visitor likely formed in a cold prestellar core exposed…: Chemical signatures indicate the visitor likely formed in a cold prestellar core exposed to intense cosmic radiation before newer stars enriched the cosmos.
Initial detection was achieved by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert…: Initial detection was achieved by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System prior to detailed spectral examination.
Data gathered while the object was 2.5 times Earth's distance from the Sun confirms it po…: Data gathered while the object was 2.5 times Earth's distance from the Sun confirms it poses no collision threat to our planet.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Listen to this article in summarized format
ALSO READ: Araghchi says Iran, Qatar propose reopening Strait of Hormuz within two days if US meets Tehran's conditions
What did the scientists find out about Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS?
According to a new study published in the journal Nature Astronomy, scientists analyzed the gases released by interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. The research team, led by scientists from NASA's Solar System Exploration Division, used the James Webb Space Telescope to study the comet in late December 2025, when it was about 2.5 times farther from the Sun than Earth. At this distance, heat from the Sun causes the comet's frozen chemicals to turn into gas, making its atmosphere, known as a coma, grow larger.The scientists focused on the comet's deuterium (a heavier form of hydrogen)-to-hydrogen (D/H) ratio and measured its amount compared with regular hydrogen can help scientists understand where and how an object formed.
They specifically studied this ratio in methane, one of the gases released by the comet. This helped them investigate the chemical makeup of the frozen material from which 3I/ATLAS formed.…
Favorable atmospheric conditions opened clear skies across northern regions as cloud and rain moved southwards, allowing vivid celestial displays to emerge. Forecasters indicate elevated solar wind activity could sustain sightings through the weekend for viewers situated in higher latitudes. However, incoming weather systems and declining solar energy will soon reduce visibility for hopeful stargazers.
Astronomical authorities have formally designated two celestial bodies in honor of staff from Northern Ireland's Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Outreach specialist Dr. Rok Nežič and veteran weather observer Shane Kelly received the rare tributes following nominations approved by the International Astronomical Union. The move expands the institution's historical tally of associated celestial objects while highlighting decades of scientific research and community education.
Researchers analyzing the Mali meteorite discovery have confirmed it preserves vital evidence of early planetary crust formation and volcanism. Chemical tests on the sample prove that liquid water actively altered the crust over four billion years ago. These findings provide scientists with rare insight into an unexplored Martian region and the planet's dynamic ancient water cycle.