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Science

3I/ATLAS: An Interstellar Comet Unveils a Spectacular Chemical Show

The comet 3I/ATLAS is an extraordinary cosmic traveler chalking its way through our solar system. As the third confirmed interstellar object, it boasts a diameter of about 5.6 kilometers and carries a treasure trove of frozen gas from its unique origins. Discovered in July 2025 when it was still some 670 million kilometers away, what’s fascinating about this comet isn’t just where it came from, but also its unexpected mix of chemicals.