Experts have discovered that comets from outside our solar system, including one currently heading towards Earth, are much larger than previously thought. According to a new report, astronomer Avi Loeb suggests that these comets might not be natural phenomena but could even be remnants of alien technology.
The comet, designated 3i/Atlas, is only the third interstellar object identified, following Oumuamua in 2017 and 2i/Borisov in 2019. Recent findings indicate that its nucleus is bigger than earlier models suggested. Interestingly, 3i/Atlas was discovered in July, and as it approaches the sun, it’s been observed releasing substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and dust.
Loeb and his team noticed that some movement of the comet, attributed to “outgassing,” showed signs of slight acceleration. This observation led them to conclude that the object is likely much heavier than what earlier estimates suggested.
Notably, 3i/Atlas is reported to be between three and five times larger than the two previous interstellar visitors. Loeb wrote on his blog that its size challenges existing perceptions of what interstellar objects can be.
The comet measures approximately a quarter-mile long, while Borisov was about 0.6 miles in diameter. Next week, 3i/Atlas will pass within 1.67 million miles of Mars’ orbit, with close approaches to both Jupiter and Venus following that. Loeb has called on NASA to use the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’s Hirise camera to take a closer look at 3i/Atlas, even mentioning that capturing just one bright pixel could greatly improve size estimates.
In a thoughtful comment, Loeb noted, “We shouldn’t define the nature of 3i/Atlas just by examining its surface chemistry.” He added, “It’s like judging a book solely by its cover.”
