Read, Watch or Listen

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made surprising discoveries about interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. Unlike most comets with water-rich comas, 3I/ATLAS has an unusually high ratio of carbon dioxide to water. This suggests it formed in a different environment than our solar system, possibly near the CO2 ice line of its parent star. Its unusual composition and age, potentially older than our solar system, make it unique among observed comets. Further observations are planned through 2026, promising more insights into its origins and the conditions of its home star system.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.