The interstellar object 3i/Atlas, about the size of Manhattan, is displaying a green hue as it nears the sun. Experts are intrigued, suggesting there might have been a “switch” that triggered this “unusual evolution.”
Researchers at the Very Large Telescope in Chile reported a notable increase in outgassing of cyanide and nickel, leading to a color change from red to green over the past couple of weeks.
These changes are described as “super-linear” and don’t seem to align with the usual constraints of “photon availability or a linear temperature response.”
This rapid alteration could suggest that a process linked to temperature activation or a specific threshold has been engaged.
“Essentially, there’s a minimum temperature needed to set things in motion,” explained Harvard astrophysicist and 3i/Atlas Tracker, Avi Loeb.
He likened it to buying tickets for a show: if you don’t meet a minimum payment, you can’t enter. However, once you exceed that threshold, you gain access, which helps illustrate the concept.
The Atlas team views this remarkable change as a transition from sunlight scattering off reddish dust to generating small, reflective ice grains, altering the composition of materials ejected from 3i/Atlas.
Interestingly, earlier observations didn’t reveal any comet tail, despite its classification as a comet by scientists.
There’s also evidence that this object emits its own light.
Additionally, it’s showing light scattered toward the sun, indicating it isn’t drifting away from it. This behavior is commonly associated with comets.
3i/Atlas is noted for being the first interstellar object to traverse through the inner solar system, passing close enough to several planets for observation. Dr. Loeb estimates a mere 0.02% chance of such an occurrence.
