NASA’s SPHEREx Spots Interstellar Comet Flaring With Gas and Organic Molecules

NASA's SPHEREx telescope has captured remarkable observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which has recently exhibited an unexpected increase in brightness as it exits the solar system. This phenomenon, characterized by the release of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and various organic compounds, occurred months after the comet's closest approach to the Sun. Researchers suggest that this unique chemical release offers an invaluable glimpse into the building blocks of planetary systems formed around distant stars. Such insights are crucial for scientists aiming to understand the similarities and differences in the composition of celestial bodies across the galaxy, thus enhancing our knowledge of the origins of life and planetary formation.