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NASA Confirms Water on Ancient Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

11/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

NASA astronomers confirmed water on the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.
3I/ATLAS was discovered on July 1, 2025, and is about 7 billion years old, making it the third known interstellar object.
Using the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, researchers detected hydroxyl gas, indicating water activity at great solar distance.
The discovery challenges models and suggests the building blocks of life may be widespread across the galaxy.

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Story summary

NASA astronomers confirmed water on the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.
3I/ATLAS was discovered on July 1, 2025, and is about 7 billion years old, making it the third known interstellar object.
Using the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, researchers detected hydroxyl gas, indicating water activity at great solar distance.
The discovery challenges models and suggests the building blocks of life may be widespread across the galaxy.