JOHANNESBURG / LONDON (IT BOLTWISE) – The interstellar comet 3I/Atlas has caused a stir in recent weeks as some speculated it could have extraterrestrial origins. However, new measurements from the South African radio telescope MeerKAT provide evidence of a natural origin of the object.
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The interstellar comet 3I/Atlas has caused quite a stir in recent weeks, particularly on social networks and podcasts, where there has been speculation that it could be an artificial, technological object. Some even hoped for an alien artifact. But new measurements from the South African radio telescope MeerKAT support the theory of a natural origin of the comet.
The MeerKAT observatory, consisting of 64 antennas, each 13.5 meters in diameter, recorded characteristic radio signals, more precisely so-called OH absorption lines at 1665 and 1667 megahertz. These signatures arise when hydroxy-containing molecules in the comet’s environment absorb radiation, a typical pattern found near comets, nebulae or star-forming regions.
The fact that the signal appears as an absorption is related to the position of 3I/Atlas relative to the Sun. The closer a comet gets to sunlight, the more its ice sublimes and forms gas clouds. This process changes the spectrum and can also influence the trajectory, which was previously sometimes misinterpreted as “unusual acceleration”.
Despite the new data, some researchers remain hopeful for a more exotic explanation. Astrophysicist Avi Loeb, who previously speculated that 3I/Atlas could have technological origins, emphasizes the importance of the MeerKAT signal, but does not see it as a conclusive answer. He points to planned observations in 2026, when the Juno spacecraft will continue to study the comet in relative proximity to Jupiter.
It is questionable whether the current measurements will put an end to the multitude of conspiracy theories. What is certain, however, is that the object has reignited interest in astronomy worldwide. The next observation opportunity will be on December 19, when 3I/Atlas makes its closest approach to Earth. Until then, researchers will continue to evaluate the data.
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