Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which recently passed through the inner solar system, has become the focus of astronomers’ attention. During its close approach to our star, it ejected substances into space that are considered key components in the formation of organic chemistry.
NASA specialists have detected compounds such as methanol, cyanide compounds, and methane in the ejecta. These molecules play a crucial role in the processes underlying life on Earth. However, scientists emphasize that such substances can form without the participation of living organisms. Therefore, their detection does not indicate that the comet is biological, let alone “alien,” in origin.
The object 3I/ATLAS was discovered in July 2025. Astronomers noticed an unknown celestial body moving at approximately 221,000 kilometers per hour within the orbit of Jupiter. According to the researchers’ calculations, this comet may have wandered through interstellar space for billions of years, gradually accelerating as it passed star systems and gas and dust clouds.
After passing perihelion—the point of closest approach to the Sun—in late October, the celestial body continued its journey through the Solar System. In December, it came within approximately 270 million kilometers of Earth, which is considered relatively close by cosmic standards.
As a reminder, a massive galaxy that has ceased producing stars has been discovered.
To be continued…
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