Oldest Guest in the Sky

Transcript

1. WinstonBig morning news: astronomers just measured an interstellar comet called 3I/ATLAS — and it might be up to about 10–12 billion years old. That’s older than the sun! I want to give it a warm studio welcome.
2. AsherA warm welcome? It formed when the galaxy was still figuring out its accent. Quiet clap, Winston.
3. WinstonAlso — and this is my favorite part — telescopes found unusual isotopes and molecules like methanol in its ice. In cosmic terms, it’s basically a very ancient cocktail.
4. AsherAged to perfection. Though I doubt it comes with a tiny umbrella.
5. WinstonScientists say those weird isotope ratios point to formation in an extremely cold, metal-poor place long ago — like a relic delivered from the galaxy’s early days. It’s a time capsule on a comet!
6. AsherWhich is handy. Time capsules don’t usually fly past your house at 68 kilometers per second and then leave the neighborhood forever.
7. WinstonWe should celebrate — confetti made of stardust! A toast to cosmic antiques and the universe’s vintage flavors!
8. AsherFine. I’ll bring the binoculars. And somewhere, a rock older than everything in your sock drawer will exit stage left — quietly, like a guest who can’t handle small talk.