Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Displays Unexplained Jet Structure — Scientists Ponder Alien Possibility
New telescope images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS show at least seven distinct jets, including anti‑tails pointing sunward, stirring speculation in the scientific community about its nature and origin.
Discovered as it entered our solar system, 3I/ATLAS is drawing attention not just as a rare visitor from beyond the Sun’s domain—but because of a surprising physical anomaly. Jet‑like structures, usually associated with volcanic or venting activity, are erupting from the comet’s surface. Some experts suggest that such patterns could indicate complex internal structure, while fringe commentary has entertained the idea of artificial origin.
Key points:
Observations dated 8 November 2025 reveal at least seven discrete jets.
These features include anti‑tails pointing toward the Sun, an odd orientation for a typical comet out‑gassing pattern.
Scientists caution that while the “alien object” hypothesis is sensational, more conventional explanations (ice pockets, out‑gassing geometry, solar‑wind interactions) remain most plausible.
3I/ATLAS is scheduled to reappear in the pre‑dawn sky on 11 Nov and will still require telescopic equipment for observation.
Why this matters:
While high on novelty, this story touches deeper themes: our understanding of interstellar visitors, the boundary between natural and artificial cosmic objects, and public engagement with space science. For The Urban Gazette, this provides a compelling angle for readers globally—including in Africa, where interest in astronomy is growing.
