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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Marcia Dunn

Scientists trace 11 billion year old comet’s home to a mystery cold corner of the Milky Way

This photo provided by Gianluca Masi shows the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas as it streaks through space, 190 million miles from Earth, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, seen from Manciano, Italy - (Local Library)

An ancient comet, 3I/Atlas, which journeyed through our solar system last year, is believed to have originated in a remarkably cold and isolated region of the galaxy, predating the formation of its own star system.

This celestial wanderer is only the third confirmed interstellar visitor and potentially the oldest, with scientists estimating its age at up to 11 billion years – more than twice that of our sun.

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