Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: An expert explains the science | ESO

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: An expert explains the science | ESO

"Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has sparked controversial speculations about its possible origin. In this episode of Chasing Starlight we talk to Cyrielle Opitom, a comet expert that has studied 3I/ATLAS extensively, to discuss all the available observations and better understand this fascinating object. Spoiler alert: it is not aliens."

Learn more about Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS:
https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/comets/3i-atlas/

Credit: European Southern Observatory (ESO)
Directed by: L. Calçada, M. Kornmesser
Hosted by: S. Randall, C. Opitom
Written by: K. Mikosch, M. N. Duffek, B. Ferreira, S. Randall
Editing: M. Kornmesser, L. Calçada
Videography: A. Tsaousis
Animations & footage: ESO, M. Kornmesser, L. Calçada, SPECULOOS Team/E. Jehin, NASA, JWST, HST JPL-Caltech, Bright Side, Obstech/El Sauce Observatory, Rolando Ligustri, Michael Jäger, Frank Niebling and Michael Buechner, Victor Sabet & Julien De Winter, NSF, Gemini Observatory, David Cruz, NOIRLab, B. Tafreshi, marsmotion, G. Brammer, Space Engine, University of Arizona, Goddard/LASP/CU Boulder
Scientific consultant: Cyrielle Opitom

Duration: 9 minutes

Release Date: Dec. 5, 2025

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