Cosmic visitor 3I/Atlas releases a high rate of methanol during its approach to the planet Jupiter

The celestial body 3I/Atlas released large volumes of methanol and other organic compounds during its passage through Sistema Solar. The object travels in a hyperbolic trajectory at about 68 kilometers per second. The closest approach to the planet Júpiter occurred on March 16, 2026. Astrônomos confirmed that the space rock has an origin external to our cosmic neighborhood.

The detection of gases occurred after the heat from Sol ruptured the visitor’s outer layer. Essa protective crust has kept chemical elements sealed for billions of years in deep space. Continuous monitoring revealed an unusual proportion of volatile substances compared to locally formed bodies. The data collected offers new insights into the distribution of prebiotic ingredients across the galaxy.

Hardened Crosta preserved chemical elements on the journey

The comet’s external structure functioned as a natural shield against cosmic radiation throughout its extensive journey. Pesquisadores estimate that this barrier was approximately 20 meters thick. The hardened material prevented the degradation of organic molecules inside the rock. Continuous exposure to cosmic rays altered surface chemistry for hundreds of millions of years before arrival in our system.

The scenario changed when the object began its approach towards Sol. The gradual increase in temperature caused the initial sublimation of the most heat-resistant molecules. Intense solar radiation managed to pierce the external protection only in more advanced stages of the path. The rupture generated visible jets of gas and expanded the celestial body’s coma at an accelerated rate. The activity exposed the primitive material that remained hidden beneath the frozen surface.

Composição rich in methanol and biological markers

Spectrometric analyzes showed a high concentration of methanol in relation to hydrogen cyanide. The instruments recorded a proportion between 70 and 120 times more methanol on specific measurement dates. The index places the visitor among the celestial bodies richest in this compound ever documented by modern science. Water also appeared in the records, but at levels considerably lower than those observed in traditional comets in our system.

Identification of components helps map the chemical diversity of the object in real time. Scientists cataloged several elements during the phase of greatest thermal activity:

• Descoberta performed in July 2025 by the ATLAS telescope located at Chile.
• Presença of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and carbonyl sulfide in the structure.
• Detecção of silicate dust and ionized nickel mixed with the ejected gases.

Methanol acts as a fundamental building block for complex molecules such as sugars and essential amino acids. Hydrogen cyanide actively participates in the synthesis of components linked to DNA and RNA structures. Carbon dominates the total mass of the space object in the form of dioxide. The combination of these factors reinforces the role of comets in transporting prebiotic chemistry between different stellar systems.

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Interação with Júpiter and trajectory anomalies

The closest point to the gas giant occurred at a distance of 0.358 astronomical units. The celestial body crossed Hill’s sphere from Júpiter quickly and directly. The extreme speed prevented the planet’s gravity from capturing the visitor permanently. The interaction generated only minimal changes to the route during the two weeks of transit close to the star.

The physical behavior of the object showed marked differences in relation to the Sistema Solar bodies. The telescopes recorded color changes on the surface and an evident non-gravitational acceleration along the way. The structure developed two distinct tails and an antitail during the period of greatest emission of volatile gases. The volume of ejected material maintained the coma extensive even at distances where other bodies would remain inactive.

Advanced Idade indicates earlier origin than Sistema Solar

Cálculos astronomical scientists suggest that the space rock is between 10 and 12 billion years old. The number easily exceeds the age of Sistema Solar itself, estimated at 4.6 billion years by researchers. The longevity indicates that the material carries intact records of a primordial phase of Via Láctea. The isotopic composition of carbon points to a possible formation in the thick disk of our galaxy.

The release of gases occurred in a segmented manner as the heliocentric distance gradually decreased. The hydrogen cyanide emanated directly from the comet’s rocky core. Methanol emerged both from the central region and from the melting of ice particles present in the expanded coma. Directional mapping of emissions confirmed that the greatest activity occurred on the face directly facing the central star.

The visitor’s transit provides unprecedented data on the survival of organic molecules in extreme radiation environments. The object now resumes its course towards deep space without suffering new significant planetary interference. The information stored in the databases will serve as the basis for future comparisons with other interstellar bodies. Continuous monitoring of hyperbolic anomalies remains a priority for understanding the dynamics of galaxy formation.