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Interstellar comet likely far older than Solar System: astronomers

Astronomers believe the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS could be up to 12 billion years old. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is providing clues about its ancient origin and unique chemistry. The object passed by Earth at 1.8 AU and posed no threat.

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New data suggests the comet is nearly three times older than the Solar System.

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  1. Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS May Be Oldest Object Seen in Solar System

    Astronomers believe the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS could be up to 12 billion years old. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is providing clues about its ancient origin and unique chemistry. The object passed by Earth at 1.8 AU and posed no threat.

    What's confirmed:

    • Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was discovered on 1 July 2025 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System station.
    • The comet's nucleus is estimated to be less than 1 km in diameter.
    • NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has detected that 3I/ATLAS is unusually rich in carbon dioxide.
    • The comet follows a hyperbolic trajectory and passed Earth at 1.8 AU.
    • 3I/ATLAS is the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through the Solar System.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The comet might be 12 billion years old and originate from a primordial planetary system.
    • Radio scans found no alien technology emanating from the comet.
    • The comet's chemistry is unlike anything previously seen.
    • The comet may be the oldest object ever seen in the Solar System.
    confidence 90%