3i atlas: 3I/ATLAS releases new molecules into space when it heats up? Here’s complete truth as interstellar comet continues to shock experts
As 3I/ATLAS approached the Sun, its activity increased. The sun’s heat began to affect the comet’s icy surface. This process caused gases and dust to escape into space. These changes did not occur immediately and became clearer as the comet passed its closest point to the Sun in late October. Observations made weeks later revealed changes in color, brightness and gas emissions.
New data from Gemini telescopes and X-ray observatories now show that 3I/ATLAS releases different molecules as it warms. This change provides scientists with rare information about the internal structure of an interstellar comet. Each observation helps researchers understand how such objects formed, aged, and traveled through the galaxy before briefly passing through our solar system.
Does 3I/ATLAS release new molecules into space when it heats up?
Does 3I/ATLAS release new molecules into space when it heats up? Observations from ground and space telescopes now confirm that the interstellar comet changes as it responds to solar heating. These changes offer clues about its composition and origin beyond the solar system.
New Gemini images show color change after perihelion
Exactly four weeks after perihelion, on November 26, 2025, the Gemini North telescope observed 3I/ATLAS from Maunakea, Hawaii. The telescope used the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph. Combined blue, green, orange and red filters.
The brightness peaked near the comet nucleus. The surrounding glow appeared green. Scientists believe this glow comes from diatomic carbon molecules. These molecules emit green light when exposed to sunlight.
Previous observations had shown a red glow before approaching the Sun
A pre-perihelion image taken on September 4, 2025 came from Gemini South in Chile. This image showed a red glow around 3I/ATLAS. The color difference indicates a change in the gases released by the comet. The transition from red to green indicates that the new molecules went into a coma after heating up near the Sun. This supports the idea that 3I/ATLAS releases new materials as temperatures rise.
X-ray observatories detect interaction with solar wind
ESA’s XMM-Newton observed 3I/ATLAS on 3 December 2025. The observation lasted 20 hours using the EPIC device. The spacecraft observed the comet from a distance of approximately 284 kilometers.
The X-ray glow was created when the solar wind interacted with the gas around the comet. A similar result was previously reported by Japan’s XRISM mission. Scientists say the gas cloud has existed for about five months.
Heating causes sublimation of ice and stronger activity
The new images show that the comet was brighter after its encounter with the Sun in late October. Solar radiation warms the surface ice. This caused the ice to turn directly into gas. The dust also escaped into space.
This process created a visible coma and a long tail. Observations confirm that the coma now emits a green tint. This feature was not shown in previous images.
Diatomic carbon explains green emissions
Scientists have ruled out any unusual explanations for the green glow. Diatomic carbon is responsible, according to NSF NOIRLab. This molecule contains two carbon atoms.
Many known comets show similar green emissions when activated by sunlight. Examples include comet 12P/Pons-Brooks and comet C/2025 F2 (SWAN).
Background of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar object discovered so far. Following 1I/’Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov. Astronomers detected it in late June when it was traveling at around 210,000 kilometers per hour.
The comet follows a hyperbolic orbit. It will not return to the solar system. Researchers believe it is the largest and possibly oldest interstellar object ever observed.
Despite claims online, scientists agree that this is a natural comet. Observatories around the world continue to study its size, path, chemistry, and origin to learn more about early star systems.
FAQ
Q1: Why did 3I/ATLAS change from red to green after approaching the Sun?The color change indicates new gases released after heating. When activated by sunlight, diatomic carbon emits green light, indicating chemical changes inside the comet.
Q2: Is 3I/ATLAS dangerous to Earth during its closest approach?
No. The comet will pass at a distance of approximately 270 million kilometers. Scientists confirmed that there was no threat to Earth during the flight.
