‘Alien comet’ 3I/ATLAS holds chemical key to life as skilled claims ‘they’re very ample’
3I/ATLAS is producing chemical compounds associated with origins of life, according to the latest research on the interstellar visitor which is currently travelling through our solar system
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS hurtling through our solar system is producing chemical compounds associated with the origins of life. Despite NASA stating the bizarre space object poses no danger to earth, since its discovery in July experts have noted some strange characteristics – prompting ongoing discussions.
This week Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb claimed Hubble telescope pictures of 3I/ATLAS showed it had “two jets” trailing behind it – “things which needed explaining” according to the expert. He also added that there is “a 30 to 40% chance” the comet isn’t naturally formed, a claim that remains outside mainstream scientific consensus.
In the latest update, NASA astrochemist Dr Martin Cordiner and his team at the Goddard Space Flight Centre have identified unusually high levels of hydrogen cyanide and methanol being produced by the object.
The team conducted a detailed scan of 3I/ATLAS, using the Atacama Large Submillimeter Array, known as ALMA.
Speaking to New Scientist, Cordiner explained “molecules like hydrogen cyanide and methanol are at trace abundances and not the dominant constituents of our own comets,” adding that “in this alien comet they’re very abundant.”
Cordiner added the object appears to be releasing around a quarter to half a kilogram of hydrogen cyanide every second and around 40 kilograms of methanol per second – far more than standard levels seen in comets within our solar system.
The NASA expert noted these compounds are considered important in chemistry associated with origins of life.
Cordiner added: “It seems really chemically implausible that you could go on a path to very high chemical complexity without producing methanol.”
On the slightly whackier side of things, yesterday professor Loeb suggested Earth was on a “blind date” with “serial killer” 3I/ATLAS.
Loeb said: “On a blind date with an interstellar visitor, it is prudent to observe the dating partner and decide whether it could have seeded life on Earth by carrying out interstellar panspermia or whether it represents a serial killer spreading poison.”
He added: “The anomalously large ratio of methanol to hydrogen-cyanide production by 3I/ATLAS suggests a friendly nature for this interstellar visitor.”
Most of his peers think the 12-mile wide space rock is a harmless comet on a one-way journey through our solar system. But Loeb has repeatedly warned that world leaders should prepare for all eventualities in case of a life-changing alien close encounter.
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