The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has puzzled scientists with an unexpected maneuver as it passed close to the sun. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) observed the comet exhibiting ‘non-gravitational acceleration,’ suggesting it was pushed by an unknown force rather than gravity. This unusual behavior has led some scientists to speculate about the comet’s nature, with Harvard physicist Avi Loeb suggesting it might be a spacecraft with its own engine, though most experts still consider it a comet with a unique chemical makeup.
As reported by the Daily Mail, 3I/ATLAS displayed two main parts in its mysterious maneuver, one pushing it away from the sun and another nudging it slightly to the side. The comet also showed a significant increase in brightness and turned a surprising blue color, contrary to the typical red hue of comets. Loeb noted in a post on Medium that the blue color could indicate ionized carbon monoxide or a hot engine, while the non-gravitational acceleration might result from cometary evaporation or technological propulsion.
Newsweek highlighted that 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar comet ever discovered, following 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov. The comet’s nucleus is significantly larger and more massive than its predecessors, and its gas plume contains an unusual nickel to cyanide ratio. Despite these anomalies, NASA maintains that 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth, as it will remain at a safe distance of at least 150 million miles.
3I/ATLAS is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025, and scientists are eager to study its behavior as it moves away from the sun. The comet’s unique characteristics offer a rare opportunity to learn about material from beyond our solar system.
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