New Footage Reveals 3I/ATLAS Comet May Be Breaking Apart

Scientists have captured new video footage of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, raising concerns about its structural integrity. The comet, which made headlines when it was first identified earlier this year, appeared to be breaking apart during a recent observation on November 9, 2025. Astronomer Joan Miguel Gonzalez Navarra of the Sabadell Institute recorded the footage after 3I/ATLAS mysteriously vanished behind the Sun in late October.

During a 20-minute observation, which consisted of 20 exposures lasting 60 seconds each, Navarra tracked the comet while it was illuminated by an 83% illuminated Moon. The results showed that 3I/ATLAS seemed to be disintegrating, marking the first visual confirmation of its state since it disappeared from view.

Significant insights have also come from the Chinese Tianwen-1 Orbiter, which previously captured images of 3I/ATLAS while orbiting Mars. The China National Space Agency reported that the Tianwen-1 mission took photographs of the comet from a distance of 30 million kilometres. These images highlight the comet’s tail and gaseous coma, offering a glimpse into its composition and behavior. The collected data supports the hypothesis that 3I/ATLAS is largely made up of water and volatile compounds, which are outgassing as it approaches the Sun.

Public Interest and Speculation Surrounding 3I/ATLAS

The renewed interest in 3I/ATLAS has sparked a variety of speculations and conspiracy theories. Some individuals have suggested that the comet could be an alien spacecraft, but Qicheng Zhang from the Lowell Observatory emphasizes that these claims lack scientific backing. Zhang referred specifically to the comet’s observed ‘rapid brightening’ as it passed a star, a phenomenon that has led to further speculation regarding its nature.

In an interview with Space.com on November 7, Zhang stated, “We don’t have any evidence for the gas coma changing colours. Our result just showed that the gas coma is likely still around and contributing substantially to the overall brightness.” This statement was in direct response to the claims made by some researchers, including astrophysicist Dr. Avi Loeb, who has suggested that the discolouration of 3I/ATLAS might indicate alien technology.

Zhang expressed frustration with the spread of misinformation, particularly from those who should be well-informed. He noted that a significant portion of the misconceptions circulating about 3I/ATLAS can be traced back to misinterpretations of scientific data.

Future Implications for Research and Exploration

The observations of 3I/ATLAS are not only of immediate interest but also serve as a precursor for upcoming missions. The data gathered from the Tianwen-1 mission provides valuable insights that may inform future explorations, particularly as the Tianwen-2 mission prepares to study a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) and the comet.

Zhang hopes that the scientific community and the public will focus more on understanding the natural behavior of comets rather than getting distracted by sensational theories. “The brightening 3I/ATLAS was experiencing started happening in early September,” he explained. He encourages a more scientific approach and understanding of these celestial phenomena, which often exhibit behaviors that can be mistaken for anomalies.

As 3I/ATLAS continues its journey through the Solar System, the scientific community remains vigilant, eager for new data that will further illuminate the nature of this intriguing interstellar traveler.