Thermal Asymmetry and Volatile Stratification in the Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This research note examines the unusual CO₂-dominated outgassing of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. It proposes that the object’s distinct chemistry and thermal behaviour arise from formation outside the Solar System under different physical conditions. A low-conductivity crust may allow CO₂ to sublimate before H₂O, creating early CO₂ activity while deeper water ice remains stable. The note outlines five testable predictions for future spectroscopic and thermal-IR observations, providing a natural, physics-based explanation without invoking exotic mechanisms.
Author: Johnston, Lee
Language: English
Topic: Astro and Planetary Science
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7104455000
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