New Image of the 3i/Atlas

An amateur astronomer operating under the name Dobsonian Power recently captured images of 3I/ATLAS using a backyard telescope, revealing an object with an irregular shape that does not resemble typical comets. The photograph adds to mounting evidence that this interstellar visitor passing through our solar system exhibits characteristics that challenge conventional understanding of such objects.

The most striking recent development involves a potential connection to one of astronomy’s enduring mysteries. Harvard Professor Avi Loeb announced that 3I/ATLAS appears to have originated from approximately the same region of the sky as the famous WOW signal detected on August 15, 1977. The Big Ear Radio Telescope at Ohio State University recorded this powerful narrowband transmission lasting 72 seconds at 1420.4 megahertz — the hydrogen line frequency. According to Loeb, the directional alignment between 3I/ATLAS and the WOW signal source is within nine degrees, with only a 0.6 percent probability of random occurrence.

The power requirements for such a signal provide context for why this correlation matters. Loeb’s analysis indicates that if 3I/ATLAS was positioned approximately 600 astronomical units from Earth in 1977, producing the WOW signal would have required between 0.5 and 2 gigawatts of power — comparable to a nuclear reactor on Earth. In contrast, the same signal originating from light-years away would demand exponentially greater energy output. The signal was also blueshifted by roughly 10 kilometers per second, indicating movement toward Earth. While 3I/ATLAS currently approaches the Sun at approximately 60 kilometers per second, Loeb suggests an artificial object capable of maneuvering could have accelerated after detecting planets within our habitable zone. He proposes the WOW signal may have been a radar pulse scanning for planetary bodies rather than a message.

Data compiled from over 4,000 observations across 227 observatories worldwide reveals additional anomalies. Despite visible outgassing — material streaming off the object — 3I/ATLAS shows no deviation from a purely gravitational trajectory. According to statements Loeb this indicates extraordinary mass: at least 1,000 times greater than 2I/Borisov, the interstellar comet observed in 2019. At an estimated 33 billion tons, 3I/ATLAS is comparable in size to Manhattan Island, while Borisov measured roughly the size of a football field. Loeb notes there is insufficient rocky material in interstellar space to deliver objects this large to the inner solar system with the frequency being observed, creating a statistical problem for natural formation theories.

Image of 3I/Atlas by Dobsonian Power

Research published in Astronomy and Astrophysics has identified another puzzling characteristic: 3I/ATLAS is expelling massive amounts of nickel with almost no iron. Every other comet studied shows nickel and iron in ratios roughly proportional to solar abundances. The research team concluded that the presence of these metallic atoms at current distances from the Sun is extremely puzzling, as surface temperatures remain too low for sublimation of refractory minerals. Some researchers have quietly discussed whether this pattern could represent waste products or byproducts from industrial processes such as manufacturing, repairs, or maintenance of radiation shielding on an artificial structure.

The object’s trajectory presents yet another anomaly. 3I/ATLAS is aligned with the plane of planets around our Sun — a configuration occurring randomly in only one out of 500 interstellar objects. There is also evidence suggesting the object may have slightly altered its course.

In response to these accumulating anomalies, Loeb has submitted a white paper to the United Nations calling for creation of an international committee to evaluate anomalous interstellar objects. He emphasized the need for preparation for what he termed a “black swan event” — a low-probability occurrence that could fundamentally alter circumstances for humanity. He noted that alien technology would represent a threat to all humans regardless of geopolitical divisions, making this an international matter requiring coordinated response protocols.

NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, along with spacecraft from the European Space Agency and China National Space Agency, are currently attempting to capture high-resolution images as 3I/ATLAS makes its closest approach to Mars on October 3rd. According to NASA JPL, these observations should achieve pixel resolution of approximately 30 kilometers, potentially sufficient to resolve surface features or structural details if present. After Mars, the object will continue toward Jupiter before exiting our solar system entirely. Despite the WOW signal correlation and chemical anomalies, no radio telescope has been directed at 3I/ATLAS to search for potential transmissions.

Image of 3I/Atlas by Dobsonian Power

Sources

- YouTube. (n.d.). https://www.youtube.com/live/FsIFb_dxJ1o

FOX 32 Chicago. (2025, October 1). Avi Loeb calls for UN to investigate interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf0xB3EtQX0

Hutsemékers, D., Manfroid, J., Jehin, E., Opitom, C., Bannister, M., Carvajal, J. P., Dorsey, R., Aravind, K., Luco, B., Murphy, B., Puzia, T. H., & Rahatgaonkar, R. (2025, September 30). Extreme NiI/FeI abundance ratio in the coma of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. arXiv.org. https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.26053

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. (2025, September 30). NASA spacecraft observe interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it approaches Mars [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtQHgCEVZ4o

NewsNation. (2025, October 1). 3I/ATLAS comet estimated size growing, new data shows | Elizabeth Vargas Reports [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLmaWOJPaUw