3I/ATLAS is carrying ‘key’ ingredients for life, NASA scientist finds
Ever since interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS entered view in July, its strange behaviour, shifting colours, erratic motion, a puzzling 16.16-hour “heartbeat,” has fuelled both scientific curiosity and speculation. Now, NASA astrochemist Martin Cordiner’s team has detected unusually abundant methanol and hydrogen cyanide in its plume, chemicals linked to life’s origins. Harvard’s Avi Loeb says the new data only deepens the mystery.
Ever since interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS entered view in July, its strange behaviour, shifting colours, erratic motion, a puzzling 16.16-hour “heartbeat,” has fuelled both scientific curiosity and speculation. Now, NASA astrochemist Martin Cordiner’s team has detected unusually abundant methanol and hydrogen cyanide in its plume, chemicals linked to life’s origins. Harvard’s Avi Loeb says the new data only deepens the mystery. What's Your Reaction?
