Researchers are gaining a better understanding of the origins of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, with studies suggesting it formed before the sun and in a colder environment than the solar system. The comet has been found to be emitting large amounts of methane and water as it passes the sun, and has undergone a significant transformation. Its closest approach to earth has been observed, with astronomers also discovering that it was visible in images taken before its official discovery.