SCIENCE
Unusual Comet 3I/ATLAS Sparks NASA's Cautious Curiosity
EarthThu Nov 20 2025
NASA is finally talking openly about the oddities of comet 3I/ATLAS. This interstellar visitor has been puzzling scientists for months. Now, during a live event, NASA scientists are sharing details that hint at something out of the ordinary.
The comet's nickel-to-iron ratio is not what they expected. Its polarization properties are also unusual. These features don't match typical comets. Additionally, 3I/ATLAS has a sunward-facing tail, a rare sight in comets. This tail is causing debates among experts. It suggests that dust is behaving in unexpected ways.
One big question is about the comet's acceleration. NASA says it's normal so far, but their careful wording leaves room for doubt. Non-gravitational acceleration was a key factor in the debate about Oumuamua, another interstellar object. 3I/ATLAS has shown similar unusual behaviors, like brightness surges and asymmetric jets.
As the comet approaches its closest point to Earth, scientists are keeping a close eye on it. Any small deviation in its path could make headlines. NASA insists it's a natural comet but admits it's "at the edge" of what they usually see. This suggests there's more to learn.
The public wants clear answers, but for now, NASA is asking for patience. More data and images are expected soon. The world is watching to see if the mystery deepens or gets resolved.
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questions
What additional data or observations would be necessary to definitively classify 3I/ATLAS as a natural comet?
If 3I/ATLAS were a celebrity, what would its walk of fame star say about its unusual features?
How does the polarization properties of 3I/ATLAS differ from typical comets, and what could this indicate?
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