The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS—only the third ever detected passing through our Solar System—has surprised astronomers again. 🔹 Color Shift: As it approached perihelion, 3I/ATLAS changed color, appearing noticeably bluer. This likely reflects evolving chemistry in its coma: ionized gases like CO⁺ and CN fluoresce under solar radiation, while shifting dust‑to‑gas ratios alter its glow. 🔹 Non‑Gravitational Acceleration: Careful orbital fits now reveal that its path isn’t dictated by gravity alone. Just like comets in our own system, jets of sublimating ice appear to be giving it a tiny “rocket push,” nudging it off a purely gravitational trajectory. Why does this matter? Each interstellar object is a time capsule from another star system. By studying its changing colors and subtle accelerations, we’re learning how comets form and evolve in alien environments—and how similar (or different) they are to our own. 🔭 Keep watching: at around magnitude 9 near perihelion, 3I/ATLAS is within reach of small telescopes and strong binoculars under dark skies. Reference: Qicheng Zhang et. al, Rapid Brightening of 3I/ATLAS Ahead of Perihelion, arXiv:2510.25035 (astro-ph), DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2510.25035 #3IATLAS #InterstellarComet #Astronomy #SpaceScience #Outgassing #CosmicVisitor #scrolllink

This is amazing - a periodic table showing every element and how it’s used. Chemistry really is everywhere. 🔬✨ What’s your favorite element? #chemistry #elements #PeriodicTable #amazing #scrolllink

🧠 What loneliness does to your brain Long-term social isolation isn’t just emotionally painful — it physically changes your brain. Neuroscientists have found that people who lack meaningful social contact show reduced cognitive abilities like memory, learning, and decision-making. Over time, this isolation raises the risk of dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. Brain imaging studies reveal that loneliness can shrink gray and white matter in regions critical for thought and emotion — including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. These changes weaken emotional regulation and make the brain more reactive to stress, threats, and negative feelings. Isolation doesn’t only alter brain structure — it affects brain chemistry too. It activates the stress response system, increasing inflammation and fueling anxiety and depression. Social cognition — the ability to interpret others’ emotions and connect empathetically — also begins to fade, making people feel even more cut off. The good news: re-engaging socially can help reverse some of these effects. Genuine connection — whether through friendships, family, or community — is one of the most powerful ways to protect brain health, slow aging, and sustain emotional well-being throughout life. Source: Layden, E. A. et al. (2023). Nature Communications #Neuroscience #Loneliness #BrainHealth #MentalHealth #CognitiveScience #Neuroplasticity #EmotionalWellbeing

Stay alert !😧😧😧 #knowledge #wisdom #curiosity #science #chemistry #scrolllink