NASA released visual recordings of Comet 3I/ATLAS Which shows a sudden physical transformation after passing through perihelion. Astronomers at the space agency documented A Structural change in the celestial body It was discovered in July that it differed from the usual patterns of the solar system, and attracted the attention of the scientific community due to its atypical behavior.
The first phenomenon that aroused the interest of observatories is the phenomenon Direction of comet particle flow. Initial records showed a projection of material directed toward the central star, technically called the “central star.” “anti-tail”. This property contrasts with the conventional dynamics of comets, whose tails extend in the opposite direction to the Sun due to the action of the solar wind.
(Image: NASA)
Spectral analyzes cited by the agency D.W. They provide surprising data about the constitution of this anti-tail. The structure contained a A mixture of carbon dioxide, water, traces of cyanide and nickel alloy Similar to those produced by human industrial activity.
Astronomers at the Northern Optical Telescope, located in the Canary Islands, have defined this behavior as: An event that is difficult to explain Using current astronomical models.
The position of the 3I/ATLAS object changed radically on November 5, 2025. Images processed by NASA confirmed Complete disappearance of the previously observed anti-tail. Instead, the comet developed a conventional tail of great size and luminosity.
(Image: NASA)
Current measurements indicate a Extension greater than 56,000 km For this new structure. This phenomenon coincides with a 13% loss of mass of the celestial body after perihelion.
The specialists also recorded A Abnormal acceleration. This increase in speed is inconsistent with standard outgassing calculations that apply to comets common in the solar system. The Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes provided additional data on… Object differences:
The color change of 3I/ATLAS has sparked discussions among research teams. The main hypothesis links the color blue to the presence of… Ionized carbon monoxide In the comet’s structure. This chemical composition may explain part of the interaction with solar radiation, although it does not explain all of the observed orbital behavior.
The discovery of nickel alloys and traces of cyanide adds complexity to the study of the origin of the object. These items They rarely appear together in this way In known natural processes within our planetary system.
Scientists are analyzing whether these characteristics are typical of their place of formation in another star system or the product of unknown interactions during their interstellar journey.
The comet’s path was carefully calculated by the Orbital Propulsion and Dynamics Laboratories. NASA has confirmed that 3I/ATLAS will move to It is at least 270 million kilometers from Earth and does not represent a threat Some for planetary security.
The space agency used its Instagram account to bring peace of mind to residents. The passage of the object is a unique scientific opportunity and not a serious event.
Astronomy enthusiasts from all over the world, such as Italian Gianluca Masi, began sharing images of the phenomenon from around the world, taking advantage of… Seeing the comet with conventional telescopes.
This content was produced by the LA NACION team with the help of artificial intelligence.