Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS May Be 14 Billion Years Old

A recent study suggests that the interstellar comet known as 3I/ATLAS could be significantly older than our solar system, potentially dating back as far as 14 billion years. This assertion comes from Michele Bannister, an astronomer at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, who is leading a research team investigating the comet’s origins.

Bannister described 3I/ATLAS as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for scientists. In an interview with Astrobiology, she explained, “Our team has discovered that 3I/ATLAS is between 8 billion and 14 billion years old, much older than our entire solar system, which has existed for 4.6 billion years.” The research team, collaborating with Professor Chris Lintott from the University of Oxford, was the first to estimate the comet’s age based on its velocity shortly after its initial identification.

Insights from the Comet’s Chemistry

According to Bannister, the chemical composition of 3I/ATLAS is distinct from that of comets found within our solar system. This uniqueness offers valuable insights into the comet’s home environment. The researchers observed an unusual abundance of atomic nickel and iron emissions as the comet entered Earth’s vicinity. Bannister noted, “We’ll be continuing to observe it throughout January.”

She emphasized the significance of interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS, stating, “They’re giving us clues because they’re made up of the building blocks of planet formation elsewhere in the galaxy. They’re telling us about a star that’s so ancient it might not even exist anymore.” Bannister referred to the comet as a “calling card from the past,” highlighting the urgency of studying it within the limited timeframe they have.

Debate Surrounding the Comet’s Nature

In recent months, 3I/ATLAS has generated considerable scientific debate. Avi Loeb, a theoretical physicist at Harvard University, has suggested that the comet may not be a natural object at all. He has proposed the intriguing theory that it could be an “alien spaceship.” Loeb’s argument centers on the comet’s “anti-tail,” which he claims should not contain “streaming gas beyond a distance of 5,000 kilometers from the nucleus.”

To further investigate this hypothesis, Loeb has recommended using a molecular tracer to analyze the composition of the anti-tail, which could help clarify whether 3I/ATLAS is indeed a comet. He has also speculated that the comet’s unusual brightness and trajectory might indicate it is an artificial probe on a reconnaissance mission.

In a recent blog post, Loeb elaborated on his hypothesis, discussing new images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. These images reveal a double jet structure, with the more pronounced jet forming the anti-tail directed towards the Sun. As researchers continue to gather data, the scientific community remains divided on the true nature of 3I/ATLAS.

As exploration of 3I/ATLAS unfolds, both Bannister’s team and Loeb’s theories highlight the comet’s potential to reshape our understanding of celestial bodies and the formation of the universe. The next few months will be crucial for uncovering the mysteries that this ancient object holds.