The unusual comet—which is to pass Earth again in the coming weeks—is only the third known object to visit us from outside the solar system.

The new study involved taking a fresh look at the "Altamura Man," which is an exceptionally well-preserved Neanderthal skeleton covered in a thick layer of calcite, sometimes called "cave popcorn." The researchers' findings suggest that the size of Neanderthal noses might not have had anything to do with living in cold temperatures.

A flying piece of cosmic rock or an alien threat? Comet 3I/ATLAS is hurtling through our solar system and captivating scientists and internet users alike, even prompting Kim Kardashian to ask NASA for answers.

Space agency NASA is monitoring two large bus-sized asteroids passing through Earth this week. NASA is closely keeping a watch on 2051 VPI and 3361 Orpheus amid the growing mystery surrounding interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.