Comets are primitive remnants of the early Solar System whose composition offers fundamental clues to their formation and evolution. High-resolution, broad-wavelength spectroscopy is crucial for identifying volatile species and constraining […]
3I/ATLAS
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Press Release
Gemini North Observes Comet 3I/ATLAS
Interstellar objects are visitors from solar systems beyond our own, and the third ever such object, known as 3I/ATLAS, has just been discovered. Using the Gemini North telescope, astronomers have […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
From A Different Star: 3I/ATLAS In The Context Of The Ōtautahi-Oxford Interstellar Object Population Model
The discovery of the third interstellar object (ISO), 3I/ATLAS (`3I’), provides a rare chance to directly observe a small body from another Solar System.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
VLT Timelapse Of 3I/ATLAS, A New Interstellar Object
ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) has obtained new images of 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object discovered last week. Identified as a comet, 3I/ATLAS is only the third visitor from outside the […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Press Release
Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS May Be The Oldest Comet Ever Seen
A mystery interstellar object discovered last week is likely to be the oldest comet ever seen – possibly predating our solar system by more than three billion years, researchers say.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Comets and Asteroids, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: Discovery And Physical Description
We describe the physical characteristics of interstellar comet 3I\ATLAS, discovered on 2025 July 1 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Comets and Asteroids, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
Initial VLT/MUSE Spectroscopy Of The Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object to be discovered. Pre-perihelion measurements provide a unique opportunity to study its activity and composition, which may alter as it […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Press Release
ESA Observes Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
Astronomers from ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre (NEOCC), part of the Agency’s Planetary Defence Office, made these observations of the newly discovered interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on 2 July 2025.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report, Stellar Cartography
Discovery And Preliminary Characterization Of A Third Interstellar Object: 3I/ATLAS
We report initial observations aimed at the characterization of a third interstellar object candidate.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Press Release
NASA Discovers Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Moving Through Our Star System
On July 1, the NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, first reported observations of a comet that originated from interstellar space. Arriving from […]