BEThe interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, which passed by Earth last year, is estimated to be between 10 to 12 billion years old, much older than previously thought. Discovered by the European Space Agency (ESA) in July 2025, the comet came within 270 million kilometers of Earth in December 2025. Scientists used the James Webb Space Telescope to study the comet after it warmed up during its closest approach to the Sun, revealing a cloud of gas formed from ancient ice. The comet contains an unusually high amount of deuterium, a heavy isotope of hydrogen, suggesting it originated in an extremely cold environment, possibly around -240 degrees Celsius, in the early history of the universe. Researchers believe this makes 3I/Atlas older than our solar system, which formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago. While its exact origin remains unknown, scientists assume it originated somewhere in the Milky Way galaxy.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses scientific findings related to an interstellar comet, focusing on its age, composition, and origin. There is no political framing, controversy, or ideological emphasis. The content is purely scientific and based on research published in a reputable journal.
