Lykkers, something extraordinary is sailing through our Solar System—an icy traveler from the distant reaches of our Solar System. Recently discovered, this interstellar object may be the most ancient comet humanity has ever observed.
Let’s explore what makes 3I/ATLAS such a unique and fascinating guest from beyond the stars.
What Is 3I/ATLAS?
An Interstellar Arrival
3I/ATLAS, spotted in early July 2025, is only the third confirmed object to enter our Solar System from beyond. It follows the footsteps of 1I/‘Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019), but stands out due to its likely origin from a much older and more remote region of the Milky Way.
A Galactic Elder
According to recent findings presented by Matthew Hopkins from the University of Oxford, 3I/ATLAS could be over 7 billion years old—far older than our Sun and planets. This places it among the most ancient cosmic bodies ever studied, making it a rare scientific treasure.
Tracing Its Origins
The Thick Disk Connection
Unlike previous interstellar visitors, 3I/ATLAS appears to have originated in the thick disk of the Milky Way. This part of the Solar System is populated by some of its oldest stars.
The new predictive model—Ōtautahi–Oxford—used to trace its path confirms this extraordinary origin, setting 3I/ATLAS apart as the first object of its kind linked to this region.
An Unusual Orbit
The orbit of 3I/ATLAS is highly inclined compared to the Solar System’s plane, reinforcing the theory that it hails from a faraway part of the Solar System. Its path and motion are not influenced by the Sun's gravity, which confirms its interstellar nature.
What the Comet Is Telling Us
Active and Icy
Despite still being over 600 million kilometers from the Sun, 3I/ATLAS is already showing signs of activity. Observations reveal a glowing cloud of dust, or coma, forming around its icy core. This suggests the surface is rich in water ice, which begins to vaporize as it nears the Sun.
Color and Size Clues
Its reddish hue resembles that of many Solar System comets. The brightness levels indicate a nucleus that could span several kilometers. This would make it larger than either of the previously observed interstellar objects, suggesting it may hold even more valuable clues about its formation.
Dust Emission
Based on current data, 3I/ATLAS may be releasing between 0.1 and 1 kilogram of dust every second. This continuous release helps form the tail and coma, which are key in analyzing the comet’s makeup without needing to land on it.
Why It Matters
A Gateway to the Distant Past
Because it formed in an ancient and faraway part of the Solar System, studying 3I/ATLAS could offer insight into the conditions of early stellar systems—possibly even those very different from our own. It’s like reading a page from the beginning of the Milky Way’s history.
A New Era of Discovery
With the Vera C. Rubin Observatory soon to begin operations, experts predict that many more such interstellar objects will be detected. The success in analyzing 3I/ATLAS shows that predictive models can play a major role in future cosmic discoveries.
A Larger Population?
Until recently, it was believed that such visitors were extremely rare. The detection of 3I/ATLAS challenges that assumption and suggests the Solar System may be teeming with ancient travelers just waiting to be found.
In Summary
3I/ATLAS is more than just a comet—it’s a messenger from the distant corners of the Milky Way, carrying secrets frozen for billions of years. For Lykkers who enjoy stargazing and cosmic discoveries, this icy visitor represents a thrilling chapter in our journey to understand the universe. With the help of powerful new tools and brilliant minds, more ancient guests may soon come knocking on the door of our Solar System.
