The Interstellar Comet 3I → ATLAS Has Provided Scientists With A Unique…Oumuamua

Observations from NASA’s SPHEREx observatory have revealed that the comet’s coma contains ice water and carbon dioxide, similar to comets formed within our solar system. This discovery suggests that the comet’s composition may not be significantly different from those of comets that originate from within our solar system.

The comet’s journey through the solar system has been closely monitored by astronomers, who are eager to learn more about its origins and composition. With only two other confirmed interstellar objects, Oumuamua and comet 2I → Borisov, 3I → ATLAS is a rare and valuable find. Its close approach to Earth on December 19, although at a safe distance of 170 million miles, has generated significant interest and excitement among astronomers and space enthusiasts.

Further study of 3I → ATLAS may provide insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system, as well as the possibility of ___ existing elsewhere in the galaxy. The European Space Agency’s Jupiter-bound spacecraft and NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope have captured stunning images of the comet, adding to our understanding of this mysterious interstellar visitor.