A thrilling cosmic discovery has emerged from British astronomers: an interstellar object named 3I/ATLAS is likely the oldest comet we've ever laid eyes on!

This intriguing visitor, rich in water ice, is the first of its kind to reach our solar system from a completely different region of our galaxy. Prior to this, only two other objects have ventured into our solar neighborhood from elsewhere.

Unlike its counterparts, 3I/ATLAS is traveling on a steep trajectory, indicating its origins lie within the Milky Way's "thick disk" – a realm filled with ancient stars that orbits above and below the familiar plane of the galaxy.

According to University of Oxford astronomer Matthew Hopkins, traditional comets such as Halley's Comet are remnants from our own solar system, aged up to 4.5 billion years. In contrast, interstellar visitors like 3I/ATLAS may be far older, with current studies suggesting it could predate our solar system by around three billion years!

First sighted on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS survey telescope in Chile while it was an astonishing 670 million kilometers from the sun, this comet is on a trajectory that brings it much closer in time.

Co-author of the study, Professor Chris Lintott, emphasized the significance of this comet, stating, "This is an object from a part of the galaxy we've never seen up close before. We estimate there’s a two-thirds chance that this comet is older than the solar system itself, having drifted through interstellar space for billions of years."

As 3I/ATLAS nears the sun, sunlight will warm its surface, leading to the outgassing of vapor and dust that creates a dazzling comet tail. Skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts may be in for a treat, as this cosmic spectacle is expected to be visible through amateur telescopes in late 2025 and early 2026.

Stay tuned – the universe is about to showcase a remarkable glimpse into the distant past!