Lawmakers and scientists are calling for heightened vigilance regarding interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, urging NASA to dedicate resources to its close observation. The concern stems from the possibility that the comet might release "mini-probes," a concept championed by Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna and renowned astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
Loeb, speaking on "The Sol Foundation" podcast, articulated a significant concern: that 3I/ATLAS could potentially shed smaller objects, or "mini-probes," which might then travel to Earth and be perceived as Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). This perspective aligns with Luna's broader efforts as chairwoman of the House Declassification Task Force, which aims to bring greater transparency to UAP-related information. She has previously suggested redirecting spacecraft, such as the Juno probe orbiting Jupiter, to better observe and gather data on 3I/ATLAS.
The comet is on a trajectory that will bring it closest to the Sun on October 30, 2025, and its closest approach to Earth is anticipated on December 19, 2025. The proposed Juno fly-by is slated for March 16, 2026. Recent analyses from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have revealed an unusually high concentration of carbon dioxide within the comet's coma, a finding that adds a layer of scientific intrigue to its already unique nature. The JWST observations indicate a carbon dioxide to water ratio of 8.0 ± 1.0, which is exceptionally high compared to other comets. This unusual composition may suggest that 3I/ATLAS originated from regions exposed to higher levels of radiation or formed closer to the carbon dioxide ice line in its parent protoplanetary disk.
3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar object detected in our solar system, following in the wake of 'Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Its discovery by the ATLAS survey telescope in Chile on July 1, 2025, marked another milestone in our understanding of objects originating from beyond our solar system. The comet's trajectory, characterized by a hyperbolic shape, confirms its interstellar origin. Its speed is approximately 37 miles per second, and its estimated diameter ranges between 10 and 15 miles. Loeb has further proposed that the Juno spacecraft could intercept 3I/ATLAS near Jupiter in March 2026, a maneuver that would require a precise orbital adjustment. This potential observation window is critical, as the comet will pass too close to the Sun for ground-based telescopes after September 2025. The scientific community is actively monitoring the comet's path and composition, seeking to glean insights into the formation and evolution of objects from distant star systems. The unusual chemical makeup, including the presence of cyanide gas and atomic nickel vapor detected by the Very Large Telescope, further underscores the scientific value of studying this unique visitor. The possibility of redirecting missions like Juno highlights a proactive approach to investigating anomalous celestial phenomena, driven by both scientific curiosity and a desire for comprehensive understanding.