Connect with us

Entertainment

Astronomers Discover Ancient Interstellar Comet That Predates Our Solar System

Published

on

Astronomers

Key Takeaways:

  • Comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third known interstellar object observed passing through our Solar System.
  • This mysterious comet likely originated from the Milky Way’s “thick disk,” a region home to some of the galaxy’s oldest stars.
  • If confirmed, 3I/ATLAS could be over 7 billion years old, making it older than our 4.6-billion-year-old Solar System.
  • Astronomers are closely monitoring the comet as it approaches the Sun, which may reveal secrets about early galactic chemistry.
Astronomers
Astronomers

A Rare Interstellar Visitor

Astronomers have identified a remarkable interstellar comet that may be the oldest ever observed—possibly predating our Solar System by billions of years.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Dubbed 3I/ATLAS, this icy wanderer is only the third confirmed interstellar object to enter our cosmic neighborhood, following 1I/’Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019). However, unlike its predecessors, this comet appears to have originated from a completely different part of the Milky Way—the “thick disk,” a region populated by ancient stars.

The discovery, led by University of Oxford astronomer Matthew Hopkins, was presented at the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting 2025 in Durham. His team’s findings suggest that 3I/ATLAS could be over 7 billion years old, making it a relic from a time long before our Sun and planets formed.

Astronomers
Astronomers

What Makes This Comet So Special?

Most comets in our Solar System, like Halley’s Comet, formed alongside it roughly 4.6 billion years ago. However, interstellar visitors like 3I/ATLAS have the potential to be far older, having drifted through the galaxy for billions of years before reaching us.

Hopkins explains:

*”All non-interstellar comets formed with our Solar System, so they’re up to 4.5 billion years old. But interstellar visitors have the potential to be far older—and our statistical method suggests that 3I/ATLAS is very likely the oldest comet we’ve ever seen.“*

A Journey from the Milky Way’s Thick Disk

What sets 3I/ATLAS apart is its unusual trajectory. Unlike ‘Oumuamua and Borisov, which came from the galaxy’s star-filled plane, this comet appears to have originated from the Milky Way’s thick disk—a sparsely populated region where stars orbit above and below the galactic plane.

“This is an object from a part of the galaxy we’ve never seen up close before,” said Professor Chris Lintott, co-author of the study and presenter of BBC’s The Sky at Night.
“We think there’s a two-thirds chance this comet is older than the Solar System, and that it’s been drifting through interstellar space ever since.”

How Was 3I/ATLAS Discovered?

The comet was first detected on 1 July 2025 by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope in Chile, when it was about 670 million kilometers from the Sun. Follow-up observations confirmed its interstellar origins, and astronomers worldwide are now tracking its approach.

Astronomers
Astronomers

What Will Happen as It Nears the Sun?

As 3I/ATLAS moves closer to the Sun, solar heating will cause its icy surface to vaporize, creating a glowing coma (atmosphere) and tail—classic features of an active comet. Early signs suggest it is already outgassing, and it may be larger than its interstellar predecessors.

Dr. Michele Bannister, a co-author from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, said:

“We’re in an exciting time: 3I is already showing signs of activity. The gases we detect as it heats up will test our model of its origins.”

Why Does This Discovery Matter?

  1. Understanding Galactic History: If confirmed, 3I/ATLAS could provide insights into the chemical composition of the early Milky Way, helping astronomers piece together how our galaxy evolved.
  2. Future Discoveries: Upcoming telescopes like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory may detect more such objects, revealing how common ancient interstellar comets are.
  3. Planetary Formation Clues: Some scientists believe interstellar comets could have delivered water and organic molecules to young star systems, possibly aiding the emergence of life.

What’s Next?

Astronomers worldwide are training powerful telescopes on 3I/ATLAS, hoping to analyze its composition as it becomes more active. The findings could reshape our understanding of interstellar objects and their role in the cosmos.

“Some of the biggest telescopes in the world are already observing this new interstellar object—one of them may be able to find out!” said Dr. Bannister.

As scientists continue to study this celestial time capsule, one thing is clear: 3I/ATLAS is unlike anything humanity has ever seen—and its secrets may rewrite what we know about the universe.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Marvel Rivals Patch Notes Reveal Powerful Halloween Covers

Published

on

Marvel Rivals Patch Notes

Marvel Rivals Patch Notes Reveal Powerful Halloween Covers

A Spooky Surprise for Fans: Marvel Rivals Patch Notes

 marvel rivals patch notes
marvel rivals patch notes

The gaming and comic communities are buzzing after Marvel Rivals revealed new Halloween-themed costumes and tie-in comic book covers set to hit shelves on October 29, 2025. According to the Marvel Rivals patch notes, this latest update brings both excitement and mixed reactions, as iconic heroes don spooky transformations while fans debate the balance changes in the game.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

In a move that combines gaming, comics, and cultural celebration, Marvel Comics will showcase four special variant covers inspired by these costumes. These covers will appear on:

This crossover between the game’s Halloween patch notes and Marvel’s comic shelves is a clever, powerful move to merge digital gameplay with print storytelling.


🎃 Halloween Costumes Take Over Marvel Rivals

The newly revealed Halloween skins transform beloved characters into festive versions of themselves. From frightfully fun outfits to culturally inspired designs, fans can expect variety and creativity.

Characters featured include:

  • Jeff the Land Shark in a quirky seasonal costume.
  • Peni Parker and SP//dr rocking a high-tech, eerie upgrade.
  • Namor, whose Halloween look draws inspiration from myth and ocean folklore.

These designs bring freshness and excitement for players and readers alike, showing that Marvel Rivals patch notes aren’t just about bug fixes—they’re about expanding the creative universe.


✅ Positive Reactions: Why Fans Love This Update

  1. Visual Creativity at Its Best – The Halloween skins are stylish and full of personality, making characters even more fun to play and read about.
  2. Cross-Media Magic – By connecting the game update to variant comic covers, Marvel has delivered a powerful synergy that both gamers and comic readers can appreciate.
  3. Global Appeal – Costumes inspired by cultural traditions highlight diversity, something Marvel has been praised for in recent years.
  4. Collector’s Dream – The variant covers dropping on October 29 give fans a new reason to head to their local comic book shop or redeem on Marvel Unlimited.

❌ Negative Reactions: The Criticism So Far

  1. Gameplay Balance Concerns – According to early Marvel Rivals patch notes, some players argue that costume updates are prioritized over needed gameplay fixes.
  2. Price & Accessibility – Not all players are thrilled; premium skins often come with high costs or time-consuming unlocks.
  3. Limited Scope – Only four characters received Halloween designs, leaving fans of other heroes disappointed.
  4. Fear of Gimmicks – A section of the community worries that constant cosmetic updates could overshadow real content improvements.

While the event is fun, these drawbacks highlight the ongoing debate between cosmetic appeal vs. gameplay depth.


📰 Marvel Comics Variant Covers: A Closer Look

marvel rivals patch notes
marvel rivals patch notes

Marvel’s variant covers are stunning reinterpretations of the Halloween looks. Each offers fans a tangible collectible that celebrates the Marvel Rivals Halloween event.

  • ALL-NEW SPIDER-GWEN: THE GHOST-SPIDER #3 – Features Gwen in a haunting yet stylish Spider-inspired look.
  • BLACK CAT #3 – Embraces mystery and elegance, with Black Cat in a mischievous costume.
  • IMPERIAL #4 – Highlights an otherworldly presence tied to the darker side of Marvel lore.
  • THOR #3 – Displays Namor’s Halloween transformation alongside thunderous power.

These designs prove that Marvel continues to blur the line between gaming updates and comic artistry.


🌍 Where to Buy & How to Read

Fans can grab these covers on October 29, 2025 at their local comic book shops or use ComicShopLocator.com to find a nearby store.

Digital readers can unlock them using codes included in print comics through the Marvel Unlimited app, available on iOS and Android.

With access to over 30,000 Marvel Comics, the Marvel Unlimited service ensures fans can dive deep into Marvel’s vast universe, whether they’re collectors or casual readers.


🎯 Final Thoughts: A Trick and a Treat

marvel rivals patch notes
marvel rivals patch notes

The latest Marvel Rivals patch notes deliver both delight and debate. On one hand, the Halloween costumes and variant covers are a bold, fun, and creative addition that celebrate the season. On the other, the criticisms around balance and accessibility remain valid concerns.

Still, the powerful crossover between digital updates and physical comics ensures Marvel is keeping fans engaged on multiple fronts. Whether you’re a gamer excited for festive skins or a comic collector chasing variant covers, this event has something for everyone.

Mark your calendars: October 29, 2025 will be a big day for Marvel fans everywhere.


Continue Reading

Sports

Europa League Unmissable Clash: Celtic Host Struggling Braga in Pivotal Group Stage Battle

Published

on

Europa League

Unmissable Europa League Clash: 3 Crushing Problems for Braga

The hallowed turf of Celtic Park is set for a dramatic Europa League encounter this Thursday, but the visitors from Portugal arrive in Glasgow bearing the weight of a significant crisis.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Europa League
Europa League

Sporting Braga, despite a positive start to their European campaign with a matchday one victory over Feyenoord, land in Scotland under intense pressure. Their domestic form has collapsed, culminating in a shocking 1-0 home loss to lowly Nacional this past weekend. This result extended their winless run in Liga Portugal to five games, plunging them to seventh in the table and sparking fury among their fanbase.

The discontent was palpable, with supporters directing the dreaded waving of white handkerchiefs—a classic Iberian symbol of protest—towards the dugout. The target of their frustration is head coach Carlos Vicens, Pep Guardiola’s former assistant at Manchester City, who is finding life as the main man to be brutally unforgiving.

Europa League
Europa League

Vicens publicly criticized his squad’s attitude after the latest defeat, stating the performance was “unacceptable.” His rise from a work-experience role at City to a trusted member of Guardiola’s first-team staff was meteoric. However, his bold move to strike out on his own at Braga is now facing its first major test. What began promisingly with a 4-1 aggregate win over Cluj and two emphatic league victories has quickly soured.

The context makes this trip to Glasgow a daunting prospect. Braga’s recent away form in Europe is a major concern. Last season, they managed just a single point on their travels, losing to clubs like Roma and Union St Gilloise. This historical weakness, combined with their current domestic slump, provides a significant advantage to a Celtic side known for its formidable home atmosphere.

Europa League
Europa League

Further compounding Braga’s problems are their big-money signings failing to deliver immediate returns. Spanish striker Pau Victor, a £10.5m signing from Barcelona, has yet to find his scoring touch. To make matters worse, key midfielder Mario Dorgeles (£9.6m from Nordsjaelland) is a major doubt for the match, having been absent for their last five fixtures.

The match also marks an emotional return for Gustaf Lagerbielke. The Swedish centre-half, who left Celtic for Braga in the summer after making just 10 appearances under Brendan Rodgers, has become a virtual ever-present for his new club. He will be desperate to prove a point against his former teammates and help shore up a beleaguered Braga defense.

For Celtic, this presents a golden opportunity to secure a vital three points at home. By exploiting Braga’s fragile confidence and poor away record, Brendan Rodgers’ men can take a massive step toward the knockout stages. All eyes will be on Celtic Park to see if the Scottish champions can capitalize on a team in turmoil, or if Carlos Vicens can summon a resilient response and save his job with a stunning European result.

Coverage: You can listen to live commentary on BBC Radio Scotland Extra & Sounds and follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app. Kick-off is at 17:45 BST.

Continue Reading

News

Henry Winkler’s 40th Book: A Triumphant Return to His Roots

Published

on

henry winkler

Henry Winkler’s 5 Powerful Lessons on Dreams & Dyslexia

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Upper West Side, Manhattan – In a heartwarming full-circle moment, beloved actor and author Henry Winkler returned to the hallways of his childhood, PS 87, not as “The Fonz,” but as a best-selling author inspiring a new generation to dream big.

henry winkler
henry winkler

The visit was more than a nostalgia trip; it was a powerful lesson in perseverance. Winkler, who has been open about his lifelong struggles with dyslexia, spoke to students about the challenges he faced and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

henry winkler
henry winkler

From Learning Challenges to Literary Champion

Winkler’s journey as a reader was difficult. He famously didn’t read his first novel until he was 31 years old. “I was afraid to read,” Winkler has said. He described the words as “dancing all over the page,” making the process arduous. His breakthrough came with Jean M. Auel’s The Clan of the Cave Bear,” a book he credits with showing him that with a little more time, he could indeed become a reader.

henry winkler
henry winkler

This personal triumph over fear is a central theme in his work. He co-wrote the “Hank Zipzer” series, inspired by his own experiences, to help children who learn differently see themselves in stories.

Celebrating a New Milestone: “Detective Duck”

The timing of his school visit coincided with the release of his latest children’s book, “Detective Duck: The Mystery at Emerald Pond.” This marks a significant milestone—it’s his 40th published book. Co-written with Lin Oliver and illustrated by Dan Santat, the story follows a duckling named Willow Feather McBeavers.

Winkler describes the book as a tale about “friendship, jealousy, friendly competition, and the dangers of plastic.” He adds, “[It’s] about realizing that your life is big enough to have a lot of friends and you don’t have to worry because you are enough.”

henry winkler
henry winkler

A Message of Resilience and Self-Belief

Speaking to the students at PS 87, Winkler and his co-author Lin Oliver discussed their writing process and the power of big dreams. His message was clear: a learning challenge does not define your intelligence or your potential. His own career—from an iconic television star to a prolific author—is a living testament to that belief.

By sharing his story in the very school he once attended, Henry Winkler provided an unforgettable, real-life example of how resilience, patience, and self-belief can turn struggles into extraordinary success.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 USA News Alert. Powered by Top Notch Ideas