Harvard Scientist Proposes Bold Theory on Comet 3I/ATLAS

The interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS is captivating scientists worldwide with its unusual behaviour. Discovered on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Chile, this comet-like visitor has displayed characteristics that defy conventional cometary physics. As researchers continue to gather and analyze data, the mystery surrounding this object only deepens.

3I/ATLAS is travelling at an extraordinary speed of approximately 61 kilometres per second (nearly 136,500 mph) relative to the Sun, confirming its interstellar origin. It is only the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through our solar system, following the well-known ‘Oumuamua and Borisov. As new observations emerge, scientists are eager for insights that may clarify the true nature of this cosmic phenomenon.

Unconventional Theories Emerge

Among the leading hypotheses is one proposed by Harvard scientist Avi Loeb, who suggests that the tail of 3I/ATLAS may not be a typical cometary tail. Loeb posits that what appears to be the tail could instead be a swarm of unknown objects travelling in close proximity to the comet. This bold theory stems from images taken in November after 3I/ATLAS made its closest approach to the Sun.

Loeb meticulously observed that the glow surrounding the object, known as the coma, did not behave as expected. Usually, a comet’s tail points away from the Sun due to solar pressure pushing dust and gas particles backwards. However, Loeb noted a distinct teardrop shape that was pointing towards the Sun, leading him to describe this phenomenon as an “anti-tail.” This unusual behaviour has intensified discussions regarding the nature of 3I/ATLAS, as detailed by Primetime.

Further complicating the analysis is the observation that 3I/ATLAS has shown minimal non-gravitational acceleration, despite releasing significant amounts of gas and dust. This lack of expected acceleration suggests that the comet’s nucleus is likely larger and more massive than previously thought, possibly between 0.3 and 5.6 kilometres in diameter. If the anti-tail indeed consists of a swarm of objects, questions arise about their identity. Are they merely small rock fragments, remnants from the comet’s core, or something entirely unprecedented?

The Ongoing Debate

Loeb argues that if these objects do not interact with sunlight in the same manner as the main comet, their positions in photographs might appear different. This could create the optical illusion of the swarm being in front of the comet rather than trailing behind it. Additionally, a cluster of these objects could reflect a significant amount of sunlight, resulting in a bright glow that distinguishes 3I/ATLAS from typical comets.

The scientific community remains divided on these theories. Loeb, known for his unconventional approaches, previously speculated that the anti-tail might originate from a beam of light emitted by the comet itself, clearing tiny particles from its path. While this idea did not gain widespread acceptance, it sparked meaningful discussions about the interstellar object’s unique properties.

In contrast, the official position from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) supports a more traditional view. NASA maintains that 3I/ATLAS is a natural comet originating from another star system. Their scientists have reported finding signs of ice volcanoes on its surface, a characteristic shared with icy bodies located far beyond Neptune within our solar system. Spectroscopic studies revealed an unusually high ratio of carbon dioxide to water ice in the coma, a composition that differs significantly from comets formed in our solar system. This surprising result indicates that 3I/ATLAS, while originating from a different stellar environment, possesses fundamental traits similar to those of nearby celestial objects.

As scientists await further data, the enigma of 3I/ATLAS continues to provoke curiosity and debate. The comet is rapidly moving out of our solar system, and the opportunity to conclusively unravel its mysteries is diminishing. Will upcoming observations support Loeb’s revolutionary theory of a swarm of unidentified objects, or will they reinforce NASA’s perspective of a remarkable yet natural comet? The world watches closely, eager for answers to the questions posed by this intriguing interstellar visitor.