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Unique Nickel Emissions Detected in Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS

10/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Astronomers using the Very Large Telescope in Chile detected nickel emissions in the atmosphere of interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, first detected on July 20, 2025, at 3.88 AU from the Sun.
Nickel appeared without concurrent iron, suggesting release through low-temperature processes rather than sublimation.
James Webb Space Telescope observations indicate a unique coma composition, with a higher carbon dioxide to water ratio than typical solar system comets.

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Story summary

Astronomers using the Very Large Telescope in Chile detected nickel emissions in the atmosphere of interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, first detected on July 20, 2025, at 3.88 AU from the Sun.
Nickel appeared without concurrent iron, suggesting release through low-temperature processes rather than sublimation.
James Webb Space Telescope observations indicate a unique coma composition, with a higher carbon dioxide to water ratio than typical solar system comets.