3I/ATLAS Shows Evidence Of “Galactic Cosmic Ray” Processing
Astronomers studying interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS have found evidence that its surface has been altered by galactic cosmic ray (GCR) processing, suggesting the comet’s outer layers are not pristine material from another star system. Detected in July 2025, 3I/ATLAS is the third confirmed interstellar object, and its unusually high carbon dioxide–to–water ratio (CO₂/H₂O ≈ 7.6) puzzled researchers. After testing various formation and chemical scenarios, scientists concluded … Continue reading 3I/ATLAS Shows Evidence Of “Galactic Cosmic Ray” Processing
