The third interstellar visitor confirmed to cross our Sistema Solar, known as 3I/ATLAS, continues to be a point of intense debate and observation in the astronomical community. Apesar from an initial assessment indicating a likely natural origin, the object accumulates a total of 15 anomalies that defy conventional explanations, keeping astronomer Avi Loeb, from Universidade from
The mysterious rating scale
To quantify the strangeness of cosmic objects, Avi Loeb developed a scale that goes from 0 (ordinary rock) to 10 (evident alien technology). Atualmente, 3I/ATLAS is classified with a score of 4, a value that reflects its significant peculiarities. Loeb states that this classification will only be revised after analyzing new data, especially that collected during its approach to Terra in December 2025.
The score can either decrease, if the anomalies are explained by natural processes, or increase if technological signals are detected. The absence of unexpected maneuvers or artificial light emissions during its closest pass has kept the assessment stable, but the investigation is far from over.
The 15 peculiarities of the cosmic visitor
What were initially eight unusual features observed in 3I/ATLAS now number 15. The most notable is a jet of material that extends millions of kilometers in the opposite direction to the traditional cometary tail, pointing directly toward Sol. Este phenomenon, known as “anti-tail”, is persistent and collimated, differing from the behavior of comets in our own system.
Other anomalies include non-gravitational accelerations that are not easily explained by ice sublimation, an unusual alignment of its rotation axis with the Sol direction at large distances, and a composition that still requires detailed spectroscopic analysis to understand.
Spectroscopic analysis will define the verdict
The key to unraveling the mystery of 3I/ATLAS lies in the spectroscopic analysis of its jet. Scientists seek to determine the chemical composition and velocity of the expelled material. If the spectra reveal gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and water (H2O) being expelled at speeds of hundreds of meters per second, the hypothesis of a natural comet will be reinforced.
However, if the composition is anomalous or the speeds are much higher, this could indicate an artificial propulsion system. Loeb emphasizes that science is based on evidence and that, so far, the greatest probability is that the object is natural, but the anomalies justify rigorous investigation.
Consistent positioning and the media
In a recent interview with NewsNation, Avi Loeb reiterated his position, held since July 2025, that 3I/ATLAS is likely an object of natural origin. Ele criticized the way some reports treated his statement as something new, clarifying that his scientific assessment had not changed. What evolves is the amount of data available for analysis.
The astronomer advocates a cautious approach, similar to the “Pascal bet”, arguing that low-probability events with potentially high consequences deserve to be investigated in depth. The focus remains on data collection, not sensational speculation.
Next stop: a date with Júpiter
The 3I/ATLAS trajectory offers one last major opportunity for detailed observations in March 2026, when the object will make its closest approach to Júpiter. Missões spacecraft like Juno, which orbits the gas giant, along with ground- and space-based telescopes, will be monitoring any unusual activity, such as the release of smaller objects or changes in trajectory.
Trajectory and discovery
Discovered in July 2025 by the astronomical survey system ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System), the object was quickly identified by its hyperbolic trajectory, confirming its origin from outside Sistema Solar. Após reaches perihelion, its closest point to Sol, in October 2025, and passes through Terra in December of the same year at a safe distance of 269 million kilometers, 3I/ATLAS is now moving away at high speed, heading towards interstellar space.