Astronomers think they may have found the oldest visitor ever to our solar system (opens original article in a new tab)

Astronomers believe the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS may be the oldest object observed in our Solar System, with unique chemical properties suggesting it formed in a cold environment billions of years ago. The comet, detected in 2025, is the third interstellar visitor ever observed, and while some theories suggested extraterrestrial origins, scientists confirm it is a natural astrophysical object. Future observations of similar objects are expected to provide more insights into galactic history.

• Astronomers suggest interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS could be up to 12 billion years old, nearly three times older than the Solar System
• The comet's unique chemical composition, including high deuterium levels, indicates it formed in an extremely cold environment
• Observations by James Webb and ALMA telescopes reveal elemental composition unlike any Solar System body
• Scientists dismiss alien spacecraft theories, stating all evidence points to a natural astrophysical object
• 3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar object observed, with future discoveries expected via new observatories like Vera C. Rubin