Story perspectives

Unique Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Reveals Surprising Gases

9/21/2025

22 3

Summary

Story summary

Scientists from Michigan State University released new images of interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, which behaves differently from typical comets.
It began releasing gases while far from the sun, indicating a unique chemical composition, possibly containing carbon monoxide.
Discovered in July 2025, it was visible in NASA's TESS images as early as May.
Researchers enhanced visibility to study its early activity.
The comet will pass closest to Earth on December 17, 2025, at approximately 223 million miles away.

1 of 1

Story summary

Scientists from Michigan State University released new images of interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, which behaves differently from typical comets.
It began releasing gases while far from the sun, indicating a unique chemical composition, possibly containing carbon monoxide.
Discovered in July 2025, it was visible in NASA's TESS images as early as May.
Researchers enhanced visibility to study its early activity.
The comet will pass closest to Earth on December 17, 2025, at approximately 223 million miles away.