From First Principles FFP EP. 4 | 3rd Interstellar Visitor, Rubin’s Sky Camera, AI CRISPR Boost & T. rex Blood Vessels
Aug 19, 2025
A thrilling interstellar visitor, 3I ATLAS, is speeding through our solar system, revealing clues about its comet-like origins. The Vera Rubin Observatory is set to revolutionize sky surveys with its massive 32-gigapixel camera, capturing a time-lapse of the universe. Meanwhile, AI advancements in CRISPR are enhancing gene editing precision, while groundbreaking discoveries, like preserved T. rex blood vessels, offer insights into ancient life. The episode dives deep into science, blending astronomy, genetics, and paleontology in captivating ways.
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Interstellar Visitor Likely Natural Comet
- 3I ATLAS is almost certainly an interstellar comet, not a spacecraft, but it's scientifically valuable regardless.
- Seeing it on the inbound leg lets telescopes schedule repeated observations to probe its composition and origin.
Fast, Old, And Active Interstellar Object
- 3I ATLAS travels ~58 km/s and was first seen near Jupiter's orbit, implying extreme speed and interstellar origin.
- Hubble revised its size estimate down to under a kilometer and revealed both anti-sun and sun-facing tails from sublimation.
Origin Story From Galactic Thick Disk
- Orbital angle and high speed can be explained by gravitational encounters long ago, possibly from the Milky Way's thick disk.
- If natural, 3I ATLAS may be ~7 billion years old and originate well above the galactic plane.