WIRED – Science

Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas Has Another Surprise: It’s Full of Alcohol

Interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, the third confirmed object from beyond the solar system, is departing at 60 km/s after a close solar pass. New ALMA data show its coma contains methanol concentrations up to four times higher than typical solar comets, making it the second most methanol‑rich comet observed. The comet also exhibits a carbon‑dioxide‑dominated coma and hyperactive behavior, releasing gases from both its nucleus and floating icy grains. These chemical signatures point to formation in an unusually cold and irradiated interstellar environment.