Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is blasting out methane

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is blasting out methane | NASA's dead Mars orbiter MAVEN will crash into Mars | How to see rare night-shining clouds this summer Created for znamenski.spacecom@blogger.com | Web Version   June 5, 2026 FOLLOW US FOLLOW US   Taking you out of this world, every day SIGN UP ⋅   WEBSITE   The Launchpad Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is blasting out methane Happy Friday, space fans  — we made it to the end of another week Strange things are happening with 3I/ATLAS (again). While SETI recently declared that, after an intensive investigation, they found absolutely zero evidence that the comet is somehow an alien spaceship, we do have some strange new science that has revealed that the object seems to be emitting large amounts of methane gas. This finding highlights how different this comet is from what we typically find in our solar system, and it raises even more questions about the object and other interstellar comets.  After NASA announced that its MAVEN Mars orbiter was dead after months of trying to regain communications, new information shows that in about 100 years, the spacecraft will actually crash right into the Red Planet. We also have some handy information on how to see night-shining clouds this summer, a strange and unique skywatching experience. And if you love He-Man, we've got the full scoop on "Masters of the Universe," which comes out today (though some people prefer the live action He-Man that took place in a single insurance commercial years ago).  Check out what's big in space below! What does it mean?   Trending NASA's dead Mars orbiter MAVEN will crash into Mars NASA just declared its MAVEN Mars orbiter dead after a dozen productive years circling the Red Planet. Here's the fate that awaits the probe. When will it crash-land? Not Your Grandpa's Hearing Device What happens when German engineers join the world's most trusted name in hearing care? Horizon IX: the biggest hearing breakthrough in a decade. 540K customers agree—claim your 45-day no-risk trial today. Qualify today ADVERTISEMENT Skywatching How to see rare night-shining clouds this summer Night shining noctilucent clouds could brighten the sky before dawn and after sunset from tonight! See the rare phenomenon! Science & Astronomy Glittering star cluster image reveals missing patch of stars Euclid space telescope observations of ancient globular cluster NGC 6397 reveal a subtle gap in brightness distribution of red dwarf stars. Take a look! Most exoplanets might be 'soot factories,' scientists say A chemical engineer noticed that the spectra of the hazy atmosphere of mini-Neptune planets looked like the soot produced by combustion engines. Diesel-powered planets? Today in Space Meteor streaks across the sky above big observatory  Searing across the night sky, a meteor puts on a spectacular show above Arizona's Kitt Peak National Observatory. Read More Entertainment The best live-action He-Man was in a commercial He-Man and Skeletor had the power … the power to dance as the Ballroom Masters of the Universe. Do you agree? 12 of the weirdest 'Masters of the Universe' characters By the power of… what the hell is that? If you thought the patrons of the Mos Eisley Cantina were strange, they've got nothing on He-Man and Skeletor's entourages. It gets weird Editor's Note Editor's Note That's it for our space update today I hope you have a great weekend  — make sure you rest up as next week is sure to be chock-full of space news. We are eagerly awaiting next Tuesday, June 9, when NASA will announce the crew of astronauts who will fly aboard Artemis 3. Artemis 3 will test docking maneuvers with lunar landers in Earth orbit ahead of a planned moon landing on Artemis 4. On the topic of Artemis, we also expect to be able to share some more details about the mission, but that's all we can say for now! And while MAVEN is now officially gone, we are closely following along with NASA's other uncrewed missions. For instance, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope finished final inspections with its primary mirror this past week and the telescope is ready to start traveling to its launch site in Florida. And while JWST was behind schedule and over budget, we are seeing the total opposite with Roman, as the telescope which was set to launch in September has now been pushed up to an expected launch date sometime in August! Have a great weekend! Ad astra, per aspera Chelsea Gohd Content Manager, Space.com   Stay up-to-date on all things space science, news, and entertainment by subscribing to our newsletters. Sign Up   Follow SPACE Contact Us: Feedback | Advertise Sign Up | Update Profile | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Terms and Conditions When you purchase through links in our content, we may earn an affiliate commission.   Future US LLC © Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036