Phys.org·3 min read·medium
12 billion years old, this interstellar comet is older than our solar system
J
Jonti Horner
✦AI Summary
Astronomers have identified the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as a 12-billion-year-old 'galactic fossil' that predates our solar system. Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope confirm its origin from another star system, providing insights into the early history of the galaxy.
Why it matters
Studying interstellar objects helps scientists understand the formation of planetary systems and the composition of material roaming between stars.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
science
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Objective reporting on astronomical discovery and scientific publication.
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