The Digital Press

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was studied using powerful telescopes to understand its composition, rotation, and origin within our galaxy. The research shows it resembles certain asteroid types and likely originated from a star system similar to our Sun.

Why it matters: Studying 3I/ATLAS helps reveal the nature of interstellar objects and their parent star systems, deepening knowledge of planetary system evolution.

The big picture: Its motion and composition link it to the Galactic thin disk and a solar-like star with slightly less metal content than the Sun.

Stunning stat: 3I/ATLAS has a rotation period of 16.79 hours and a spectral slope of 14.6%/1000 Å, redder than most solar system comets.

Commenters say: Many find the idea that interstellar objects preserve kinematic traces of their origins fascinating, likening it to a cosmic "ShotSpotter" pointing back to their home stars.