The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is displaying non-gravitational acceleration and turned blue near the Sun, prompting scientific debate. While some suggest natural causes like gas evaporation, others speculate about more unusual origins. Key observations are pending as the object, currently hidden behind the Sun, is set to re-emerge for study in December.
A rare interstellar object passing through our solar system, known as Comet 3I/ATLAS, is behaving in ways that have puzzled astronomers. According to data from NASA, the comet has demonstrated an unusual acceleration not explained by gravity alone and was observed shifting to a blue hue as it approached the Sun. This has ignited discussions within the scientific community about the object's true nature.
The unusual motion is likely due to gas escaping its surface, a process that could cause the comet to lose a significant portion of its mass. However, Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb noted that the distinct blue color is surprising for a natural comet. He suggested that while ionized carbon monoxide could be a cause, the color "could potentially be explained by a hot engine or a source of artificial light." This has led to open speculation about an artificial origin, though no evidence confirms this.
Astronomers are currently unable to view the comet from Earth as its position lies directly behind the Sun. This temporary observational blackout is expected to lift in early December, when ground-based telescopes will once again be able to track the object. In the interim, space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are using their spacecraft to continue monitoring.
The scientific community is anticipating the comet's reappearance, as its passage near Earth in mid-December will provide a critical opportunity for detailed analysis. The primary goal will be to determine if the object has experienced the expected mass loss from its close solar approach. Loeb stated that if no such loss is detected, "the non-gravitational acceleration might be the technological signature of an internal engine." Conversely, NASA's acting administrator has publicly dismissed extraterrestrial theories, affirming data shows it to be the third known interstellar comet and poses no threat.