3I/ATLAS Shows Evidence Of “Galactic Cosmic Ray” Processing

Astronomers studying interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS have found evidence that its surface has been altered by galactic cosmic ray (GCR) processing, suggesting the comet’s outer layers are not pristine material from another star system.

Detected in July 2025, 3I/ATLAS is the third confirmed interstellar object, and its unusually high carbon dioxide–to–water ratio (CO₂/H₂O ≈ 7.6) puzzled researchers.

After testing various formation and chemical scenarios, scientists concluded that long-term exposure to cosmic rays likely transformed carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, forming an organic-rich irradiated crust.

This means the comet’s current outgassing comes only from material processed over billions of years, masking the original composition beneath, IFL Science has reported.

While disappointing for those hoping to study unaltered interstellar material, the comet still offers a unique opportunity to explore how cosmic rays shape objects traveling between the stars.

read more: https://www.iflscience.com/interstellar-object-3iatlas-shows-evidence-of-galactic-cosmic-ray-processing-thats-not-great-news-81501

👍 Like this video to help spread awareness about the fascinating discovery of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS and how cosmic rays reshape objects traveling through the galaxy.
💬 Comment below—do you think future missions should try to sample an interstellar comet to study its untouched interior?
🔗 Share this video to spark curiosity about how cosmic radiation transforms material across deep space.
💰 Want to support the channel? Hit the YouTube Thanks button—your support helps us keep covering groundbreaking space discoveries and cosmic phenomena.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on astronomy, interstellar exploration, and the mysteries of our universe. Thanks for watching and supporting science!

Links for B.C.

Visit My Website
https://bcbegley.com

Follow Me On Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/B.C.Begley

Subscribe To My Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/bcbegley

Watch Me On YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGoUf-QQTlTN-BIh3ERCE9A

Follow Me On Twitter
https://twitter.com/BC_News1

Watch Me On Rumble
https://rumble.com/c/c-280191

Follow Me On Gab
https://gab.com/BC_Begley

Follow Me On Truth Social
https://truthsocial.com/@BC_Begley

Follow Me On BlueSky
https://bsky.app/profile/bcbegley.bsky.social

Watch Me On TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@bcbegley

#InterstellarComet #SpaceDiscovery #CosmicRays