Astronomers and social media users have been debating the newly discovered interstellar object 3I/ATLAS after viral videos claimed it was moving in unusual ways through the Solar System. The discussion intensified after clips shared on TikTok suggested scientists were 'baffled' by the object becoming brighter following its close approach to the Sun.
The claims quickly fuelled online speculation that the object could be artificial or linked to extraterrestrial activity, with some users suggesting the increased luminosity was a form of 'signal' or propulsion system. However, astronomers and space researchers have not presented any evidence supporting theories involvingalien technology or artificial spacecraft.
3I/ATLAS is considered scientifically significant because it is only the third confirmed interstellar object ever detected passing through the Solar System, following the discoveries of 'Oumuamua in 2017 and comet 2I/Borisov in 2019. Because such objects originate outside the Solar System, astronomers study them closely for clues about how planetary systems form in other parts of the galaxy.
Onewidely shared TikTok videoclaimed scientists were confused after3I/ATLAS appeared to brighten following its movement around the Sun. The video alleged the object had changed direction and was moving closer back to Earth instead of leaving the Solar System. It also suggested the brightening could indicate 'some kind of fusion' causing the object to produce more light.
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'What does this brightness mean? Is it signalling to us?' the narrator asked during the clip.
No scientific agency or observatory has publicly suggested the object is artificial or behaving outside expected physical processes linked to comets and interstellar bodies.
Social media users reacted with a mix of jokes, scepticism and concern. One commenter wrote: 'Pretty sure it passed us already,' while another joked: 'Who's on board the Atlas?' Others criticised the viral videos entirely, with one user responding: 'Yall be lying so bad.'
Astronomers have long observed that comets and icy interstellar objects can become brighter when approaching the Sun because heat causes frozen gases and material to evaporate into space. This process, known as outgassing, creates glowing clouds of gas and dust around the object that reflect sunlight and make the object appear brighter when viewed from Earth.
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Source: International Business Times UK
