As the study notes:
“Rather than being pristine messengers from distant planetary systems, interstellar objects may instead carry signatures of processed material shaped by cosmic-ray exposure during their interstellar transit.”
Interstellar overhype: Nasa debunks claim about alien-made comet | Comets | The Guardian
A 10-Billion-Year-Old Time Capsule
While fascinating, this finding means 31/ATLAS may not provide an unaltered glimpse into other star systems. Instead, it might reflect the harsh conditions of deep space rather than the specific environments of alien worlds.
Despite the disappointment for those hoping for alien origins, 31/ATLAS remains an extraordinary discovery. Scientists believe it may be a 10-billion-year-old time capsule, offering insights into the early universe’s chemical conditions.
