The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is scientifically crucial as the third known object from beyond our Solar System
An unexpected discovery has recently shaken the world of professional astronomy. While studying the mysterious object 3I/ATLAS, often called the 'interstellar comet', amateur sky-gazers were the first to detect its continuous, unmistakable movement across the cosmos -- a finding that has genuinely surprised and intrigued experts worldwide.
The online community has erupted with enthusiasm after fresh pictures and clips of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS emerged on astronomy message boards, in official NASA updates, on ESA observation channels, and on various social media platforms.
Numerous posts suggest the comet appears to be spinning, with visuals showing dust bands, separated layers, or circular movement.
The reality, as a Zee News report points out, is that scientists have not confirmed any of these reports. Nevertheless, the intense chatter online has greatly increased interest in the swift-moving object crossing our planetary neighbourhood now and will never return.
The initial speculation began when people taking space photographs and hobbyist sky-watchers posted videos that seemed to show a turning motion around the comet. Key examples of the viral posts include:
A viral post drew a parallel between the activity surrounding 3I/ATLAS and an older clip from the ESA ExoMars Orbiter, suggesting that the newer visuals might indicate spinning. The recording, credited to Diego San Araujo, has yet to be confirmed or peer-reviewed by scientific organisations.
Another report suggested that a new video submission depicted the comet 'revolving'. The post also noted that NASA was set to publish new, authorised images during an online event later in the week. Exciting news, certainly, but still unconfirmed.
A single person combined numerous long-exposure photographs and noticed a pattern resembling five separate masses orbiting a central point. Specialists commented that changes in the coma, dust streams, and activity from the nucleus can easily produce similar deceptive images.
Another widely circulated picture showed five dust bands spinning around the comet, described as separate layers. This striking assertion is also unsupported by official sources. Although these posts lacked supporting evidence, they have sparked speculation worldwide.
The discovery of 3I/ATLAS was made on 1 July 2025, thanks to the ATLAS survey telescope in Chile. NASA quickly verified two essential details:
Furthermore, data collected by both NASA and ESA confirmed the comet's speed exceeds 210,000 km/h, a velocity too great for it to be gravitationally bound by the Sun.
Following its perihelion on 30 October 2025, 3I/ATLAS is now moving back into the pre-dawn sky as viewed from Earth.
It is not visible to the unaided eye. Earlier in its journey, its distance of 1.8 AU made it too remote for detection by smaller telescopes.
Astronomers believe the comet likely has elevated carbon dioxide levels, suggesting it formed in a very cold region of a remote star system. Consequently, it offers a valuable opportunity to examine pristine matter originating beyond our stellar neighbourhood.
Key implications of its interstellar origin are:
Since close encounters with interstellar objects are infrequent, the value of each measurement obtained is immense.
While the core facts about 3I/ATLAS -- its interstellar origin, its frigid composition, and its singular passage -- are now firmly established, this transient visitor continues to spark debate among observers worldwide.
Amateur and professional footage has recently circulated, suggesting an unusual rotational pattern within the comet's coma.
These visual anomalies, interpreted by some as shifting shapes or structured dust rings, have naturally led to a pressing, fundamental question that cuts across the verified data: Is 3I/ATLAS actually spinning, and if so, what does its rotation reveal about this object beyond our star system?