{"id":460415,"date":"2026-06-23T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/webb\/nasas-webb-finds-clues-to-ancient-distant-origin-of-comet-3i-atlas\/"},"modified":"2026-06-23T01:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T15:00:00","slug":"nasas-webb-finds-clues-to-ancient-distant-origin-of-comet-3i-atlas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=460415","title":{"rendered":"NASA\u2019s Webb Finds Clues to Ancient, Distant Origin of Comet 3I\/ATLAS"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\" hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-secondary-navigation\">\n<div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-wrapper z-top width-100 padding-0\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-secondary-navigation width-full border-bottom-1px text-center hds-color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-hdsnav\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"hds-secondary-nav-mobile-button display-flex 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width-full maxw-full color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-article-hero-header\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper width-full maxw-full minh-tablet grid-container minh-tablet flex-column padding-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-foreground-wrapper display-flex flex-direction-column\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block margin-top-auto width-full maxw-desktop-lg padding-y-9 padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-3 z-400\">\n<div class=\"z-400 grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-7 z-400\">\n<div class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"label color-spacesuit-white margin-bottom-2\">4 Min Read<\/div>\n<h1 class=\"heading-41 line-height-md color-spacesuit-white-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNASA\u2019s Webb Finds Clues to Ancient, Distant Origin of Comet 3I\/ATLAS\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-left mobile-skrim-top z-200\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2352\" height=\"784\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2352&#038;h=784&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"Comparison of three telescope images side by side. They are roughly spherical but pixelated, with more intense color saturation in the center. From left to right: smallest sphere is blue and labeled H2O, orange is larger and labeled CO2, and red is largest and labeled CO. A scale bar at the lower left is labeled 1300 km\/1 arcsecond and is about one fourth of each of the three images. A compass at the lower right shows north pointing up to 12 o\u2019clock, east pointing left to 9 o\u2019clock, and a fainter arrow labeled to Sun pointing down to 8 o\u2019clock.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"eager\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2352&#038;h=784&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2352w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=300&#038;h=100&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=768&#038;h=256&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=1024&#038;h=341&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=1536&#038;h=512&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2048&#038;h=683&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2048w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=400&#038;h=133&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=600&#038;h=200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=900&#038;h=300&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=1200&#038;h=400&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2000&#038;h=667&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2352px) 100vw, 2352px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-y-3 padding-x-3\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block padding-x-0\"><figcaption class=\"hds-caption maxw-mobile desktop:padding-x-3\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0 color-carbon-30\">\n<div><figcaption>Researchers used the NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) instrument on NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope to map specific chemical contents of comet 3I\/ATLAS as it moved away from the Sun.\u00a0Full image shown below.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits color-spacesuit-white-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Credits: <\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Martin Cordiner (CUA, NASA-GSFC); Image Processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>As interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS began moving away from the Sun in December 2025, astronomers took the opportunity to turn NASA\u2019s powerful James Webb Space Telescope in its direction and capture detailed measurements of its chemical components. The comet was freshly warmed from its closest pass by the Sun, and its ancient ice had been converted to a bright coma of gas ideal for observation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Webb captured detailed data, including chemical ratios of carbon and deuterium, also known as heavy hydrogen, that are not found in solar system comets. The results surprised researchers. Working backward, astronomers used the components that make up comet 3I\/ATLAS to understand the environment in which it formed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A paper detailing the findings published June 22 in the journal <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41586-026-10771-6\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nature<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Image: Interstellar Comet 3I\/ATLAS (NIRSpec IFU)<\/h2>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\">\n<div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-wide\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2352&#038;h=784&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2352\" height=\"784\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2352&#038;h=784&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Comparison of three telescope images side by side. They are roughly spherical but pixelated, with more intense color saturation in the center. From left to right: smallest sphere is blue and labeled H2O, orange is larger and labeled CO2, and red is largest and labeled CO. A scale bar at the lower left is labeled 1300 km\/1 arcsecond and is about one fourth of each of the three images. A compass at the lower right shows north pointing up to 12 ou2019clock, east pointing left to 9 ou2019clock, and a fainter arrow labeled to Sun pointing down to 8 ou2019clock.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2352&#038;h=784&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2352w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=300&#038;h=100&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=768&#038;h=256&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=1024&#038;h=341&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=1536&#038;h=512&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2048&#038;h=683&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2048w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=400&#038;h=133&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=600&#038;h=200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=900&#038;h=300&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=1200&#038;h=400&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2000&#038;h=667&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2352px) 100vw, 2352px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Researchers used the NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) instrument on NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope to map specific chemical contents of comet 3I\/ATLAS as it moved away from the Sun.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Martin Cordiner (CUA, NASA-GSFC); Image Processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI)<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The comet\u2019s name comes from its status as the third confirmed interstellar comet, meaning it originated outside the solar system, and the telescope that first spotted it, the NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System).<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis was a unique opportunity to study an ancient object from the distant galaxy, probably pre-dating our Sun and solar system,\u201d said astro-chemist Martin Cordiner of NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and lead author of the study. \u201cOn the one hand, we get direct insight into that distant time and place, and on the other, we learn something about how unusual our own solar system may be.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Cordiner and the research team joined astronomers from many sub-disciplines in taking the opportunity to get a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/comets\/3i-atlas\/\" rel=\"noopener\">3I\/ATLAS on its journey<\/a> through the solar system. They <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stsci.edu\/jwst\/science-execution\/program-information?id=5094\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">received approval<\/a> to interrupt Webb\u2019s planned schedule of observations to make use of its NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) instrument to study the comet.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>NIRSpec revealed exceptionally high levels of deuterium, about 30 times more than seen in solar system comets. This implies that 3I\/ATLAS may have originated in a very cold system much earlier in the history of our galaxy. During its formation, the material that became incorporated into 3I\/ATLAS was likely exposed to plenty of radiation, but not any long-term warmth that would have reprocessed its \u201cheavy water\u201d ice, with deuterium, into the type of H<sub>2<\/sub>O ice we are familiar with on Earth.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Image: 3I\/ATLAS Compared to Solar System Comets<\/h2>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\">\n<div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-wide\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \" style=\"--hds-image-contain-bg:#ffffff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=3840&#038;h=3835&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3840\" height=\"3835\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=3840&#038;h=3835&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Infographic showing differences in measured ratios of heavy carbon and heavy hydrogen between solar system comets and interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS. Title text reads Comet 3I\/ATLAS, Composition Compared With Solar System Comets. Top portion of the infographic has headline Heavy Carbon, plus a horizontal scale in increments of 50 ranging from zero to 250 measuring the ratio of Carbon-12 to Carbon-13. Three solar system comets appear just below 100 on the scale, while 3I\/ATLAS appears above 150 for carbon monoxide and about 170 for carbon dioxide.  \nBottom portion of infographic has headline Heavy Hydrogen and a horizontal scale ranging from 10 to the negative fifth power on the left to approximately 10 to the negative first power on the right, though 10 to the first is not labeled. This scale is labeled Ratio of Heavy Hydrogen Measured in Water. Eleven solar system comets appear on the graph, all falling to the right of 10 to the negative fourth power. Comet 3I\/ATLAS appears at 10 to the negative second power.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=3840&#038;h=3835&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 3840w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=150&#038;h=150&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=300&#038;h=300&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=768&#038;h=767&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=1023&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1534&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=2048&#038;h=2045&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2048w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=50&#038;h=50&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=100&#038;h=100&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=200&#038;h=200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=400&#038;h=399&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=600&#038;h=599&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=900&#038;h=899&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=1198&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=2000&#038;h=1997&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3840px) 100vw, 3840px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">These graphs lay out the significant difference in composition between the interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS and comets originating in our solar system. This very specific data helps researchers build a picture of the comet\u2019s original planetary system.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">Illustration: NASA, ESA, CSA, Martin Cordiner (CUA, NASA-GSFC), Leah Hustak (STScI)<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Additionally, NIRSpec showed only traces of carbon-13 compared to lighter-weight carbon-12. This also points to a very old origin for 3I\/ATLAS, as stellar systems become enriched with carbon-13 over time as generations of stars are born and die in the galaxy. That is why there are higher levels of carbon-13 in our system, around our Sun, which formed relatively recently, 4.5 billion years ago.<\/p>\n<p>The research team estimates that 3I\/ATLAS could have formed as long as 10 to 12 billion years ago, during the universe\u2019s \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/goddard\/studying-galaxy-growth-spurts-in-the-early-universe-with-nasas-roman\/\" rel=\"noopener\">cosmic noon<\/a>,\u201d when star formation was at its height. Its young origin system was likely ensconced in a relatively cold, dense cloud. The abundance of heavy water shows that 3I\/ATLAS spent its formative years in a deeply frozen state.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2603.07187\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">separate study<\/a> using the European Southern Observatory\u2019s Very Large Telescope, led by astronomer Cyrielle Opitom of the University of Edinburgh, complements Webb\u2019s findings with an analysis of 3I\/ATLAS\u2019s carbon and nitrogen varieties in the form of the chemical cyanide.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor us as scientists, finding these rare isotopes is fascinating, but the bigger picture here is looking at the possibilities of prebiotic chemistry elsewhere in the galaxy,\u201d said Stefanie Milam of NASA Goddard and co-author of the study with Cordiner. \u201cSo far, we know of only one place in the vast cosmos where chemical ingredients led to life \u2013 our solar system, our Earth. Analysis of these interstellar objects is a major step towards learning how common, or uncommon, the conditions for the evolution of life are in the universe.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The James Webb Space Telescope is the world\u2019s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about Webb, visit:<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/webb\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/webb<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Downloads &#038; Related Information<\/h2>\n<p>The following sections contain links to download this article\u2019s images and videos in all available resolutions followed by related information links, media contacts, and if available, research paper and Spanish translation links.<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-featured-link-list bg-carbon-05 padding-x-2 tablet:padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-4 padding-y-5 desktop:padding-y-6 hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-featured-link-list\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block padding-0\">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-22\">\n\t\t\t\tRelated Images &#038; Videos\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row padding-y-2 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-30-important\">\n<div class=\"grid-row featured-link-list-row width-full flex-align-center\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 tablet:padding-right-3 desktop:padding-right-5\">\n<div class=\"width-full\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper width-full ratio-1x1 radius-pill overflow-hidden\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2352\" height=\"784\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2352&#038;h=784&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Comparison of three telescope images side by side. They are roughly spherical but pixelated, with more intense color saturation in the center. From left to right: smallest sphere is blue and labeled H2O, orange is larger and labeled CO2, and red is largest and labeled CO. A scale bar at the lower left is labeled 1300 km\/1 arcsecond and is about one fourth of each of the three images. A compass at the lower right shows north pointing up to 12 ou2019clock, east pointing left to 9 ou2019clock, and a fainter arrow labeled to Sun pointing down to 8 ou2019clock.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2352&#038;h=784&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2352w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=300&#038;h=100&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=768&#038;h=256&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=1024&#038;h=341&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=1536&#038;h=512&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2048&#038;h=683&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2048w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=400&#038;h=133&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=600&#038;h=200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=900&#038;h=300&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=1200&#038;h=400&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV679X9GBWH16F7TH9FZC7EN.png?w=2000&#038;h=667&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2352px) 100vw, 2352px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-8 desktop:grid-col-10 padding-left-3 desktop:padding-left-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-36 margin-0\">Interstellar Comet 3I\/ATLAS (NIRSpec IFU)<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n<p class=\"p-md margin-0 color-carbon-black-important\">Researchers used the NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) instrument on NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope to map specific chemical contents of comet 3I\/ATLAS as it moved away from the Sun.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 display-flex flex-justify-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/asset\/webb\/interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-nirspec-ifu\/\"  aria-label=\"Interstellar Comet 3I\/ATLAS (NIRSpec IFU)\" class=\"link-external-false\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n                            <svg class=\"hds-featured-link-list-button margin-left-auto margin-right-0\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\">\n                                <circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path>\n                            <\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row padding-y-2 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-30-important\">\n<div class=\"grid-row featured-link-list-row width-full flex-align-center\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 tablet:padding-right-3 desktop:padding-right-5\">\n<div class=\"width-full\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper width-full ratio-1x1 radius-pill overflow-hidden\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3840\" height=\"3835\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=3840&#038;h=3835&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Infographic showing differences in measured ratios of heavy carbon and heavy hydrogen between solar system comets and interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS. Title text reads Comet 3I\/ATLAS, Composition Compared With Solar System Comets. Top portion of the infographic has headline Heavy Carbon, plus a horizontal scale in increments of 50 ranging from zero to 250 measuring the ratio of Carbon-12 to Carbon-13. Three solar system comets appear just below 100 on the scale, while 3I\/ATLAS appears above 150 for carbon monoxide and about 170 for carbon dioxide.  nBottom portion of infographic has headline Heavy Hydrogen and a horizontal scale ranging from 10 to the negative fifth power on the left to approximately 10 to the negative first power on the right, though 10 to the first is not labeled. This scale is labeled Ratio of Heavy Hydrogen Measured in Water. Eleven solar system comets appear on the graph, all falling to the right of 10 to the negative fourth power. Comet 3I\/ATLAS appears at 10 to the negative second power.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=3840&#038;h=3835&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 3840w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=150&#038;h=150&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=300&#038;h=300&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=768&#038;h=767&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=1023&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1534&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=2048&#038;h=2045&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2048w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=50&#038;h=50&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=100&#038;h=100&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=200&#038;h=200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=400&#038;h=399&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=600&#038;h=599&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=900&#038;h=899&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=1198&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2026\/06\/STScI-01KV5V6XY765BZTBX9VJ35D3Y8.jpg?w=2000&#038;h=1997&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3840px) 100vw, 3840px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-8 desktop:grid-col-10 padding-left-3 desktop:padding-left-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-36 margin-0\">3I\/ATLAS Compared to Solar System Comets<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n<p class=\"p-md margin-0 color-carbon-black-important\">These graphs lay out the significant difference in composition between the interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS and comets originating in our solar system. This very specific data helps researchers build a picture of the comet\u2019s original planetary system.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 display-flex flex-justify-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/asset\/webb\/3i-atlas-compared-to-solar-system-comets\/\"  aria-label=\"3I\/ATLAS Compared to Solar System Comets\" class=\"link-external-false\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n                            <svg class=\"hds-featured-link-list-button margin-left-auto margin-right-0\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\">\n                                <circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path>\n                            <\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-related-information\">Related Links<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/blogs\/3iatlas\/2026\/06\/01\/nasas-webb-detects-methane-on-interstellar-comet-3i-atlas\/\" rel=\"noopener\">NASA\u2019s Webb Detects Methane on Interstellar Comet 3I\/ATLAS<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Explore more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/comets\/3i-atlas\/\" rel=\"noopener\">NASA\u2019s 3I\/ATLAS Observation Timeline<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Watch:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/svs.gsfc.nasa.gov\/14882\/\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Interstellar Visitor is Fastest Comet Ever Recorded<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Watch:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/viewspace.org\/video_library\/videos\/1465-1110398234?page=2&#038;tags=1637\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ViewSpace | Interstellar Comet Measured<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>More Webb:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/latestnews\/\" rel=\"noopener\">News<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/multimedia\/images\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Images<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/science-overview\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Science<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Home Page<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\"><br \/>\n<html><body><\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 nasa_template_article_b hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-credits-and-details\">\n<section class=\"padding-x-0 padding-top-5 padding-bottom-2 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-2 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px 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\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Details<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row margin-bottom-3\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-4\">\n<div class=\"subheading\">Last Updated<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-8\">Jun 22, 2026<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-4\">\n<div class=\"subheading\">Location<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-8\"><a class=\"hds-location-tag-name\" href=\"https:\/\/nasa.gov\/goddard\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"hds-meta-heading\">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<html><body><\/p>\n<div class=\"grid-row margin-y-3\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-4\">\n<div class=\"subheading\">Contact<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-8\">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-3\">\n<div class=\"heading-16 padding-bottom-1 border-bottom margin-bottom-2\">Media<\/div>\n<div class=\"cnd-extra-left-wysiwyg\">\n<p><strong>Laura Betz<\/strong><br \/>\nNASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center<br \/>\nGreenbelt, Maryland<br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:laura.e.betz@nasa.gov\">laura.e.betz@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Leah Ramsay<\/strong><br \/>\nSpace Telescope Science Institute<br \/>\nBaltimore, Maryland<\/p>\n<p><strong>Christine Pulliam<\/strong><br \/>\nSpace Telescope Science Institute<br \/>\nBaltimore, Maryland<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/body><\/html><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black \">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Related Terms<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"article-tags\">\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\" rel=\"noopener\">James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/astrophysics\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Astrophysics<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/comets\" rel=\"noopener\">Comets<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/goddard\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Science &#038; Research<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/focus-areas\/small-bodies-solar-system\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Small Bodies of the Solar System<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Solar System<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/universe\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Universe<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/body><\/html><\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-topic-cards nasa-gb-align-full maxw-full width-full padding-y-6 padding-x-3 color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-topic-cards\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block-lg padding-x-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center margin-bottom-3\">\n<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-8 margin-bottom-2 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-2\">Keep Exploring<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"heading-36 line-height-sm\">Related Topics<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-gap-2 hds-topic-cards-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>James Webb Space Telescope<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<p class=\"margin-bottom-0 margin-top-2 color-carbon-20-important\">Webb is the premier observatory of the next decade, serving thousands of astronomers worldwide. It studies every phase in the\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"1032\" src=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jwst_artist_concept_0.png?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jwst_artist_concept_0.png 1041w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jwst_artist_concept_0.png?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jwst_artist_concept_0.png?resize=300,297 300w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jwst_artist_concept_0.png?resize=768,761 768w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jwst_artist_concept_0.png?resize=1024,1015 1024w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jwst_artist_concept_0.png?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jwst_artist_concept_0.png?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jwst_artist_concept_0.png?resize=400,397 400w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jwst_artist_concept_0.png?resize=600,595 600w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jwst_artist_concept_0.png?resize=900,892 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/asteroids-comets-meteors\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Asteroids, Comets &#038; Meteors<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bennu-banner-1920x640-1.jpg?w=1536\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bennu-banner-1920x640-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bennu-banner-1920x640-1.jpg?resize=300,100 300w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bennu-banner-1920x640-1.jpg?resize=768,256 768w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bennu-banner-1920x640-1.jpg?resize=1024,341 1024w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bennu-banner-1920x640-1.jpg?resize=1536,512 1536w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bennu-banner-1920x640-1.jpg?resize=400,133 400w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bennu-banner-1920x640-1.jpg?resize=600,200 600w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bennu-banner-1920x640-1.jpg?resize=900,300 900w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bennu-banner-1920x640-1.jpg?resize=1200,400 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/asteroids-comets-meteors\/stories\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors Stories<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"428\" height=\"342\" src=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Asteroid-jpeg.webp?w=428\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Asteroid-jpeg.webp 428w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Asteroid-jpeg.webp?resize=300,240 300w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Asteroid-jpeg.webp?resize=400,320 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 428px) 100vw, 428px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/science-overview\/science-explainers\/exploring-our-solar-system-with-webb\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Exploring Our Solar System with Webb<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"566\" height=\"409\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2023\/12\/STScI-01HHFP5G5BXSC5M7DX6DG9YXMB.png?w=566&#038;h=409&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2023\/12\/STScI-01HHFP5G5BXSC5M7DX6DG9YXMB.png?w=566&#038;h=409&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 566w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2023\/12\/STScI-01HHFP5G5BXSC5M7DX6DG9YXMB.png?w=300&#038;h=217&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/webb\/science\/2023\/12\/STScI-01HHFP5G5BXSC5M7DX6DG9YXMB.png?w=400&#038;h=289&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 566px) 100vw, 566px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS began moving away from the Sun in December 2025, astronomers took the opportunity to turn NASA\u2019s powerful James Webb Space Telescope in its direction and capture detailed measurements of its chemical components. The comet was freshly warmed from its closest pass by the Sun, and its ancient ice had been converted [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15612,17683,15614,15637,15597,16731,15610,15638],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-460415","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-astrophysics","category-comets","category-goddard-space-flight-center","category-james-webb-space-telescope-jwst","category-science-research","category-small-bodies-of-the-solar-system","category-the-solar-system","category-the-universe"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.8 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As interstellar comet 3I\/ATLAS began moving away from the Sun in December 2025, astronomers took the opportunity to turn NASA\u2019s powerful James Webb Space Telescope in its direction and capture detailed measurements of its chemical components. 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