The comet 3I/ATLAS, which entered our Solar System on July 1, has shown notable changes in its behavior, according to recent observations. The comet has been the subject of intense scrutiny from scientists worldwide, including Avi Loeb, a theoretical physicist at Harvard University. While some speculate about its origins, claiming it could be an alien spacecraft, NASA has clarified that it is, in fact, a comet from another star system.
In a recent post on Medium, titled “Updates on the Non-gravitational Acceleration of 3I/ATLAS,” Professor Loeb detailed significant findings regarding the comet’s acceleration. He noted that on October 30, 2025, the radial acceleration component, normalized to a heliocentric distance equivalent to the Earth-Sun separation, was measured at 1.6 x 10^{-6} au per day squared. By November 24, this coefficient had decreased by a factor of four to 4 x 10^{-7} au per day squared. This observation indicates that 3I/ATLAS is indeed slowing down as it travels through space.
Brightness Surpasses Expectations
In his analysis, Professor Loeb also reported that there is “strong evidence” suggesting that 3I/ATLAS became brighter near perihelion than predicted by the standard 1/r² model. This model estimates the brightness of celestial objects based on their proximity to the Sun. Essentially, the comet’s brightness exceeded expectations when it was closest to our star, making it an intriguing subject for further study.
Loeb’s recent comments have fueled interest in the comet’s trajectory, which he believes could suggest advanced capabilities. He has proposed that 3I/ATLAS may deploy satellites to observe Jupiter for an advanced alien civilization. According to his calculations, the comet is expected to come within 53.445 million kilometers (over 33.209 million miles) of Jupiter on March 16, 2024. This proximity raises questions about the comet’s potential to “seed” probes into the orbit of the gas giant, adding another layer of complexity to its already captivating narrative.
Ongoing Observations and Speculation
As the scientific community continues to analyze 3I/ATLAS, the comet remains a point of fascination. While some of Professor Loeb’s theories may provoke skepticism, they invite deeper inquiry into the nature of this celestial object and its journey through our Solar System.
As researchers gather more data, the prospect of understanding 3I/ATLAS—whether as a comet or something more—will likely dominate discussions in the field for the foreseeable future. The comet’s evolution and interactions as it approaches Jupiter could provide crucial insights into the dynamics of our Solar System and beyond.
