Comet 3I/ATLAS Reveals Alien Chemistry | Science News

Astronomers are stunned by comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar visitor packing more methanol than any comet in our solar system—revealing clues about alien ice formation. New ALMA data shows this cosmic oddball’s coma is loaded with methanol and hydrogen cyanide, with ratios unlike anything seen before, suggesting it formed under wildly different conditions. While hydrogen cyanide escapes directly from its core, methanol also leaks from tiny ice grains floating in the coma—acting like mini-comets themselves. This third confirmed interstellar object continues to rewrite our understanding of how comets and planets form beyond our solar system. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/66cd833a1e473dee