Scientific Discoveries 4 November 2025 - 4 January 2026

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is showing cryovolcano-like eruptions and an atmosphere rich in prebiotic molecules, according to new observations released ahead of its December 19, 2025, close approach to Earth. NASA and ESA images reveal active jets and high levels of methanol and hydrogen cyanide. The comet will remain at least 1.8 AU from Earth and poses no impact threat. Online rumors about aliens and health effects have circulated.

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is brightening after passing behind the Sun, with Hubble and ESA’s Juice spacecraft capturing new images and radio telescopes detecting its first radio signal. Chemistry data show large amounts of methanol and hydrogen cyanide. NASA and astronomers dismiss online speculation of alien origin, citing natural explanations. The comet will make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025, at about 1.8 AU.

NASA and ESA released new images and data on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, showing unexpected activity as it nears its closest approach to Earth later this month. Hubble captured the comet’s bright core and dust halo from 178 million miles away, while ESA’s Juice spacecraft also recorded fresh images. Scientists say 3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar object and is older than the Solar System.

NASA will unveil its sharpest images yet of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS at 3 p.m. ET Wednesday during a live event from Goddard Space Flight Center. India’s ISRO released new data from its Mount Abu telescope, showing classic comet activity and familiar molecular signatures. Scientists estimate 3I/ATLAS may be over 8 billion years old, far predating the solar system.

South Africa’s MeerKAT radio array detected hydroxyl absorption lines at 1665 and 1667 MHz from interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on Oct. 24, 2025, confirming water outgassing as it neared the Sun. The signal matches classic comet chemistry and counters recent speculation about artificial origins. Earlier September attempts saw no signal. The finding marks the first radio confirmation for 3I/ATLAS.

Astronomers captured new images Nov. 10–11 showing interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS with a lengthening, structured ion tail as it returns to the predawn sky. South Africa’s MeerKAT array detected hydroxyl radio signals on Oct. 24, confirming typical comet chemistry. The comet is visible low in the east before dawn, drifting through Virgo at magnitude 11–12. ESA’s JUICE spacecraft will attempt further observations this month.