From First Principles FFP EP. 7 | Interstellar Visitor 3I/Atlas, Human Longevity Plateau, New No-Sort Plastic & Analog AI
Sep 9, 2025
Explore the fascinating trajectory of the interstellar visitor 3i/Atlas, captured by several high-tech telescopes! Uncover a significant longevity study suggesting that life expectancy might have plateaued for those born after 1939. Dive into a breakthrough nickel catalyst that could revolutionize no-sort plastic recycling. Finally, discover Microsoft's innovative analog AI computer, boasting 100x efficiency and promising applications in energy and medical fields. Science is pushing the boundaries in intriguing new ways!
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3I/Atlas Gives a Unique Window Into Other Systems
- Interstellar visitor 3I/Atlas offers a rare sample of other star systems because it formed in a different environment than our comets.
- Observatories worldwide (Hubble, JWST, VLT, TESS, ESA orbiters) are racing to capture data before it leaves the inner solar system.
Atlas's Strange CO2-Rich Composition
- JWST spectroscopy shows 3I/Atlas has an unusually high CO2-to-water ratio (about 8:1), unlike Solar System comets.
- That implies either a different formation location (CO2 ice line) or heavy radiative processing in its birth environment.
Observe Now — Use All Available Spacecraft
- Focus on aggressive observation now because once 3I/Atlas passes the sun many viewing angles will be blocked.
- Use Mars orbiters and other missions opportunistically to fill JWST and Earth-based gaps.