Mystery Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Sparks Speculation Over Thrusters

A recent analysis of the interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS has ignited intrigue among scientists, suggesting the possibility that it could be controlled by technological thrusters. Astrophysicist Avi Loeb from Harvard University highlighted anomalies in the object’s rotation and behavior, raising questions about its nature and origin.

Observations of 3I/ATLAS revealed jets of material that appear to defy the expected effects of rotation. According to Loeb, the jets observed in images taken by astronomers F. Niebling and M. Buechner on November 9, 2025, should have been dispersed by the object’s rotation, which occurs every 16.16 hours. Instead, these jets are tightly collimated and extend over distances greater than one million kilometers.

In a recent update on his blog, Loeb expressed his astonishment at these findings. “At the expected thermal speed of sublimated volatiles from a natural comet, 400 meters per second, it takes about a month for the material to traverse a million kilometers,” he wrote. “How could these jets maintain their orientation if 3I/ATLAS is rotating every 16.16 hours?”

Loeb proposed a more speculative theory: that the jets might be generated by technological thrusters designed to preserve orientation for navigation purposes. This assertion adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation into 3I/ATLAS, which has already captivated scientists with its unexpected survival after a close approach to the Sun.

Unusual Features and Anomalies

The object has garnered attention not only for its jets but also for its peculiar “anti-tail.” This strange phenomenon consists of a streak of debris pointing toward the Sun while the object moves away from it. Typically, a comet’s tail trails behind due to solar winds, making 3I/ATLAS‘s behavior particularly puzzling for experts.

Recent observations from the Nordic Optical Telescope, located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, have confirmed the presence of this anti-tail. Scientists are debating whether this feature is a result of an unusual interaction with solar radiation or simply an optical illusion.

The object also recently emitted a radio signal, further fueling speculation about its origins. While some researchers maintain that 3I/ATLAS is a natural object, others, including Loeb, are increasingly open to the possibility that it could be an artificial craft.

Scientific Implications

The implications of these discoveries could be significant. If 3I/ATLAS is indeed controlled by thrusters, it would suggest a level of technological advancement not typically associated with celestial bodies. As the investigation continues, scientists are eager to learn more about this enigmatic object and its journey through our solar system.

Avi Loeb’s theories, while speculative, challenge conventional wisdom and invite further inquiry into the nature of interstellar objects. As astronomers continue to study 3I/ATLAS, the scientific community remains on alert for new evidence that could reshape our understanding of the universe.