3I/ATLAS is the third confirmed interstellar object ever detected passing through our solar system, discovered on July 1, 2025, by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).
It is currently understood to be a large interstellar comet, approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) in diameter, making it the largest such object ever observed. While its origin is unknown, it is believed to have come from outside our solar system and is on a one-way trajectory towards the Sun before departing back into interstellar space.
Nature and Size: 3I/ATLAS is classified as a comet, not an asteroid, and its nucleus is estimated to be about 7 miles (11 km) wide, based on new images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
This makes it significantly larger than the previous interstellar visitors, 'Oumuamua and Borisov.
Unusual Behavior: The object exhibits a peculiar, non-cometary brightness profile with a steep slope that is more pronounced than any known comet in our solar system.
This has led to speculation about its nature.
Scientific Debate: Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb and colleague Eric Keto have proposed that the observed light profile could be explained by a central light source illuminating surrounding dust, suggesting the object might be a small, artificial body emitting its own light rather than just reflecting sunlight.
This has fueled theories that it could be an alien probe, though this remains highly speculative and not supported by evidence.
Current Status: As of August 20, 2025, the object is still being studied. While some media outlets and theorists have speculated about it being an alien spacecraft or "mother ship", the scientific consensus, as stated by experts like Dr. Laura Driessen, is that it is most likely a natural, albeit very unusual, comet from another star system.
The object is currently moving towards the Sun and will make its closest approach in the coming weeks.
Pre-vacuum tube, no doubt.
Why do we have to wait til November to see the images of the Webb telescope that were taken weeks ago ?