The latest thermal images of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS have sparked intense debate among scientists. These images show strange patterns that don't match what we expect from comets. The heat around 3I/ATLAS is not random. Instead, it forms neat, circular layers. This is odd because comets usually have messy heat patterns.

Another strange thing is a dark ring around the core. Normally, heat should spread out smoothly. But here, it drops sharply before rising again. This suggests something is blocking or controlling the heat flow. Scientists don't know what could cause this.

The outer heat layer is also unusual. It bends in a way that doesn't match the Sun's pull or the object's movement. This could mean there's something shielding the object or pushing against the heat.

Two hotspots on the object stay in the same place. Comets usually have heat bursts that move around. But these hotspots are stable, suggesting they're not random. Their mirrored positions add to the mystery.

Another odd thing is the lack of a heat tail. Comets usually have long, hot tails pointing away from the Sun. But 3I/ATLAS doesn't. Its heat stays close to the object, refusing to stretch out.

Finally, there's a thin, cool ring around the core. This has been seen in other images of 3I/ATLAS. It's not an error in the images. It's a real feature of the object.

These findings add to the list of strange things about 3I/ATLAS. It doesn't behave like a normal comet. Scientists need more data to understand it. NASA has images from October that haven't been released. These images could help solve the mystery.

THERMAL IMAGERY

Unusual Patterns in 3I/ATLAS Thermal Images Raise Questions

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