Mumbai, November 1: The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has once again captivated scientists and social media alike with new reports of unusual activity as it nears the Sun. Observations show the comet brightening at an unexpected rate while allegedly performing strange manoeuvres in space, reported Space.com. Theories range from natural outgassing effects to speculation that it could be an extraterrestrial probe. At the same time, a viral online claim falsely suggested that 3I/ATLAS transmitted a Fibonacci-pattern pulse signal from deep space.
However, experts have dismissed the claim, stating that no credible data or observatory confirmation supports it. Meanwhile, legitimate research has revealed that 3I/ATLAS performed unusual manoeuvres while approaching its closest point to the Sun, known as perihelion. As per a New York Post report, Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb suggested that the object's "non-gravitational acceleration" could hint at technological activity, though natural explanations, such as cometary evaporation, remain more likely. The comet's strange blue glow and unpredictable trajectory have further deepened intrigue surrounding the interstellar visitor. What Is 3I/ATLAS Interstellar Comet? Is It an Alien Ship? Will It Hit Earth on October 30? Here's What NASA Has Revealed.
As space enthusiasts flooded social media with excitement, a viral post claimed that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was transmitting a Fibonacci-pattern pulse signal -- 8 * 13 * 8 * 5 * 13 * 8 -- at 1420 MHz, often called the "interstellar calling channel." The post, originating from a single X (formerly Twitter) account @AstronomyVibes, alleged that the pulses were "intelligent" and decoded into the message, "Observe. Prepare. Understand. The Gate Awaits." However, astronomers quickly debunked the claim, confirming that no such signals were detected. No observatory, including SETI or NASA, has verified any transmission from 3I/ATLAS, and no scientific papers or telescope logs support the story. Did Scientists Detect Fibonacci Pulse Patterns From 3I/ATLAS? NASA and SETI Debunk Viral Claim of Alien Message From Interstellar Comet.
Beyond social media speculation, the comet has genuinely puzzled researchers with its recent physical behaviour. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory detected "non-gravitational acceleration" as 3I/ATLAS approached its closest point to the Sun, a sign that it may be moving in ways unaccounted for by standard physics. Astrophysicist Loeb suggested this could be caused by sublimating ice or, in a more speculative sense, internal propulsion technology.
Adding to the mystery, the comet has brightened at an unexpectedly rapid pace, turning a striking blue rather than the usual reddish hue seen in most comets. Scientists believe this could be due to the release of ionised gases or unusual compositional elements, but they stress that no evidence supports the idea of artificial or alien origins.