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Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Reveals Alien Chemistry Secrets

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which passed near Jupiter, shows unusual chemical features, including high deuterium levels and more carbon dioxide and water than typical comets.
The comet was detected by the ATLAS Survey.
It originated outside our solar system and formed around an alien star over 8 billion years ago, as suggested by low carbon-13 levels.
Further studies will continue as the comet moves away from the Sun.

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Story summary

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which passed near Jupiter, shows unusual chemical features, including high deuterium levels and more carbon dioxide and water than typical comets.
The comet was detected by the ATLAS Survey.
It originated outside our solar system and formed around an alien star over 8 billion years ago, as suggested by low carbon-13 levels.
Further studies will continue as the comet moves away from the Sun.