interstellar comet 3i/atlas: After interstellar object 3I/ATLAS shows no comet tail, Harvard scientist sounds alarm, says 'its size is very anomalous' - The Economic Times
The interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS has again baffled scientists: recent observatory images show the object lacks the typical cometary tail of dust and gas expected when an object passes near the Sun. Despite being estimated to span one to two city-blocks, its behaviour does not align with known comets — it shows no visible jet of material, and its trajectory lies nearly in the planetary ecliptic plane, a rare occurrence. Prominent astronomer Avi Loeb from Harvard University suggests these anomalies raise the possibility that the object might be artificial or technological in origin, a claim that has stirred debate and been met with caution by mainstream space agencies. As 3I/ATLAS approaches its closest distance to Earth in December, researchers are intensifying monitoring efforts to determine whether it represents a new class of natural body—or something far stranger.
The Key points
- 3I/ATLAS lacks the dust–gas tail usually seen in comets when heated by the Sun.
- Its size is estimated at roughly one to two city blocks across, significantly larger than earlier interstellar objects.
- Its path follows the ecliptic plane of the planets within about five degrees — a surprising alignment.
- Composition analyses hint at nickel-rich material with low iron, reminiscent of industrial aerospace alloys.
- 3I/ATLAS’s observed glow at times extended toward the Sun rather than away, contrary to comet behaviour.
- Avi Loeb proposes that if no coma (gas envelope) develops, the object may be non-natural.
- Previous interstellar visitor ʻOumuamua spurred similar speculation; however, 3I/ATLAS shows distinct anomalies.
- The object is forecast to pass around 167 million miles from Earth in December, marking its nearest approach.
- The claim of potential alien technology remains controversial and has been dismissed by agencies like NASA.
- Scientists emphasise that regardless of origin, 3I/ATLAS offers a rare chance to study an interstellar traveller in our solar system.
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