Story perspectives

JWST Detects Methane-Rich 3I/ATLAS, Signaling Unusual Composition

6/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. scientists using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope detected methane from interstellar object 3I/ATLAS in mid-December and late-December.
The Mid-Infrared Instrument captured the methane signal.
A paper reported methane, carbon dioxide and water on the object, noting a methane-to-water ratio higher than typical comets and a carbon dioxide abundance indicating an unusual formation environment.
Researchers say the methane escaped after perihelion from beneath a thick icy shell.

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Story summary

U.S. scientists using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope detected methane from interstellar object 3I/ATLAS in mid-December and late-December.
The Mid-Infrared Instrument captured the methane signal.
A paper reported methane, carbon dioxide and water on the object, noting a methane-to-water ratio higher than typical comets and a carbon dioxide abundance indicating an unusual formation environment.
Researchers say the methane escaped after perihelion from beneath a thick icy shell.