In an interview given to the podcast “Joe Rogan Experience” on October 31, 2025, SpaceX CEO, The object, detected in July 2025 by the ATLAS system in Chile, represents the third confirmed visitor from outside our Sistema Solar, following in the tracks of ‘Oumuamua and Borisov. The conversation highlighted the magnitude of such an event, even if hypothetical, in the context of planetary security.
Musk classified the comet as of natural origin, rejecting the hypothesis of artificial creation, but highlighted its impressive speed of 57 kilometers per second and an estimated size that varies from 440 meters to 5.6 kilometers. Essas characteristics, according to him, give the 3I/ATLAS considerable destructive power in any collision scenario. The discussion was driven by online speculation about the object, which reached its perihelion on October 30, 2025, at a distance of 210 million kilometers from Sol.
Although the comet followed a hyperbolic orbit, moving away from Sistema Solar with no indication of impact, the businessman emphasized the catastrophic implications of a change in route. Ele explained that variations in the trajectory of comets are often attributed to the emission of gases when heated by Sol. Terra’s closest approach is scheduled for December 19, 2025, at an altitude of 270 million kilometers, allowing detailed observations by global telescopes.
Singular orbit and first observations
3I/ATLAS captured scientific attention due to its eccentric orbit, a strong indication of its origin in another star system. Observações carried out by Telescópio Espacial Hubble on 21 July 2025 revealed a marginal coma and a tail extension of three seconds of arc, data that was corroborated by NASA and ESO researchers on 2 July.
These findings position 3I/ATLAS as a kind of “time capsule” for Via Láctea, carrying information from a journey that may have lasted billions of years. Sua velocity and cross-section of dust facilitate spectral analysis, allowing scientists to study its composition in detail.
Non-gravitational acceleration and debates
Astronomer Avi Loeb, from Universidade of Harvard, pointed out on his blog the presence of an acceleration in the comet that is consistent with the release of gases. The sublimation of ice, which results in the emission of gas, can change the orbit of a celestial body without the need for an external force.
Musk, in turn, refuted the idea of intentional manipulation, arguing that such effects are common in comets. Observações from the VLT on August 14 detected cyanide, reinforcing the natural nature of the object. Embora Although SETI monitored the comet, artificial signals were discarded. Chinese Imagens captured near Marte in October 2025 showed parallel jets but no evidence of alien technology.
Chemical composition: nickel and cyanide
The detection of atomic nickel in 3I/ATLAS generated discussions, but Elon Musk clarified that metals such as nickel and cobalt are abundant in asteroids and comets, resulting from primordial impacts. Depósitos terrestrial elements of these elements also originate from ancient celestial influences.
The comet’s spectrum indicated the presence of nickel tetracarbonyl, a substance unstable under ultraviolet radiation, common in space environments. Embora Loeb has mentioned anomalies, comparative studies with comet 2I/Borisov demonstrate a consistency that points to a natural formation.
Reaction from the astronomical community
Since July, SETI and NASA astronomers have consistently denied any artificial origin for comet 3I/ATLAS. Franck Marchis, from SETI Institute, highlighted that the comet’s perihelion offers a valuable opportunity for future interception missions.
Although Loeb considers a 30% to 40% probability that the object is not natural, scientific evidence tends to corroborate more conventional explanations. Observações post-perihelion, taken on November 5, 2025, showed a compact source without a well-defined tail, consistent with a 13% mass loss. Este event has been a catalyst for space agencies to enhance their preparations for intercepting interstellar objects.
Impact hypothesis and risk scenario
Elon Musk warned that a collision with 3I/ATLAS could be capable of annihilating entire continents. Dependendo of its mass and exact composition, the impact would have the potential to exterminate a large part of humanity, a scenario of catastrophic proportions.
However, it is crucial to highlight that the comet’s current orbit eliminates any real risk of impact with Terra. Embora the solar conjunction of October 21, 2025 has limited direct observation, data obtained by the missions Europa Clipper and Hera captured interactions in the comet’s ionic tail, providing valuable information. Additional Pesquisas predict magnetic structures surrounded by the solar wind, deepening knowledge about these phenomena.
Preparations for Earth Observation
Telescopes around the world are tracking 3I/ATLAS to capture high-resolution images in December. The retrograde inclination of its orbit facilitates access for observations, confirming that the comet does not pose a direct threat.
Missions like Hera, which dove into the comet’s ionic tail between October 25 and November 1, 2025, collect crucial data. Essas information is used to refine models of interstellar objects, improving surveillance against cosmic threats, without there being any indication of hostile intent on the part of the object.
