The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is surrounded by "complex jet structure", new images have shown and it has sparked fresh speculation that the Manhattan-sized interstellar object could be an artificial alien craft. The images, captured on November 8, show at least seven distinct jets, “some of which are anti-tails in the sunward direction,” Dr. Avi Loeb wrote in a piece published on Medium on Saturday, reports The New York Post. The Harvard astrophysicist speculated that the jets could be “coming from a set of thrusters used for navigation of a spacecraft.”
However, he also conceded that the jets could be “associated with pockets of ice on the surface of a natural cometary nucleus.” “It would be easy to test whether 3I/ATLAS is natural or technological by measuring the outflow velocity, mass flux and composition of its jets during the coming month,” Loeb wrote in a follow-up piece, saying that the object gets closest to Earth on Dec. 19. “Let us hope 3I/ATLAS will not deliver any unwanted gifts to Earth during the holiday season,” he ominously added, as per New York Post.
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“C/2025 V1 is not related to 3I/ATLAS if it did not employ non-gravitational propulsion,” he explained. “The closest separation of the two orbits is 75 million kilometers (0.5 au) and the objects were never closer than 225 million kilometers (1.5 au) from each other without propulsion. The measured non-gravitational acceleration of 3I/ATLAS is insufficient to bridge the gap with C/2025 V1.”
Since 3I/ATLAS was discovered in July, Loeb has claimed that the object is showing several strange behaviors that might mean it’s an alien probe. In a recent paper, he wrote that the object’s non-gravitational acceleration — observed by NASA last week — along with its glow that appeared “bluer than the sun,” could point to a “technological signature of an internal engine.”
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Right now, 3I/ATLAS is hidden behind the Sun from Earth’s point of view, making it invisible because of the Sun’s glare. However, astronomers expect it to reappear in the eastern pre-dawn sky on November 11, 2025. Viewing it will be difficult — the comet will be too faint to see with the naked eye. Experts recommend using a large telescope (at least 8 inches or 20 cm wide) to catch a glimpse of this interstellar traveler. It is expected to appear low on the horizon before sunrise, near the constellation Sagittarius, the same direction from which it entered our solar system.
ALSO READ: After interstellar object 3I/ATLAS shows no comet tail, Harvard scientist sounds alarm, says 'its size is very anomalous'
For those who can’t observe it directly, live tracking and streaming will be available through NASA, ESA, and several university observatories. Real-time sky maps and high-resolution images will allow enthusiasts to follow 3I/ATLAS as it continues its fascinating journey through space.
Find a dark spot: Go somewhere away from city lights to get a clearer view of the faint comet.
Use a telescope: 3I/ATLAS will not be visible to the naked eye. You’ll need a telescope with at least an 8-inch (20 cm) aperture to spot it.
However, he also conceded that the jets could be “associated with pockets of ice on the surface of a natural cometary nucleus.” “It would be easy to test whether 3I/ATLAS is natural or technological by measuring the outflow velocity, mass flux and composition of its jets during the coming month,” Loeb wrote in a follow-up piece, saying that the object gets closest to Earth on Dec. 19. “Let us hope 3I/ATLAS will not deliver any unwanted gifts to Earth during the holiday season,” he ominously added, as per New York Post.
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Another interstellar object spotted
Meanwhile, the discovery of another “almost interstellar” object, officially named C/2025 V1, has sparked intense speculation that it could be connected to 3I/ATLAS. However, Loeb is doubtful about these claims, saying the two objects are too far apart for a real connection to be likely.“C/2025 V1 is not related to 3I/ATLAS if it did not employ non-gravitational propulsion,” he explained. “The closest separation of the two orbits is 75 million kilometers (0.5 au) and the objects were never closer than 225 million kilometers (1.5 au) from each other without propulsion. The measured non-gravitational acceleration of 3I/ATLAS is insufficient to bridge the gap with C/2025 V1.”
Since 3I/ATLAS was discovered in July, Loeb has claimed that the object is showing several strange behaviors that might mean it’s an alien probe. In a recent paper, he wrote that the object’s non-gravitational acceleration — observed by NASA last week — along with its glow that appeared “bluer than the sun,” could point to a “technological signature of an internal engine.”
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Comet 3I/ATLAS to re-appear on November 11
Astronomers and space enthusiasts around the world are preparing for the return of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS in the eastern sky before dawn on November 11, 2025, according to EarthSky.com. This mysterious comet, which has fascinated scientists and the public with its unknown origins, recently made its closest approach to the Sun — known as perihelion — on October 30, coming within 130 million miles (1.36 astronomical units) of it.Right now, 3I/ATLAS is hidden behind the Sun from Earth’s point of view, making it invisible because of the Sun’s glare. However, astronomers expect it to reappear in the eastern pre-dawn sky on November 11, 2025. Viewing it will be difficult — the comet will be too faint to see with the naked eye. Experts recommend using a large telescope (at least 8 inches or 20 cm wide) to catch a glimpse of this interstellar traveler. It is expected to appear low on the horizon before sunrise, near the constellation Sagittarius, the same direction from which it entered our solar system.
ALSO READ: After interstellar object 3I/ATLAS shows no comet tail, Harvard scientist sounds alarm, says 'its size is very anomalous'
For those who can’t observe it directly, live tracking and streaming will be available through NASA, ESA, and several university observatories. Real-time sky maps and high-resolution images will allow enthusiasts to follow 3I/ATLAS as it continues its fascinating journey through space.
Tips to watch comet 3I/ATLAS
Look east before sunrise: The comet will appear low in the eastern sky about an hour before sunrise, near the constellation Sagittarius.Find a dark spot: Go somewhere away from city lights to get a clearer view of the faint comet.
Use a telescope: 3I/ATLAS will not be visible to the naked eye. You’ll need a telescope with at least an 8-inch (20 cm) aperture to spot it.
