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NASA APOD highlighted comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object viewed from Earth.
Interstellar comets are rare visitors from outside the Solar System, carrying material formed around other stars.
Observations from Earth and space help scientists compare their chemistry, activity and orbits with comets born in our own Solar System.
Why It Matters
Interstellar objects provide direct samples of material from other planetary systems, even if only through remote observation.
What to Watch
Watch spectroscopy results, orbital refinements and comparisons with 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
Primary Sources
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