NASA’s Hubble Telescope Captures Final Glimpses of Fleeting Interstellar Comet

NASA has released new, high-resolution images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. The Hubble Space Telescope captured these final views in late November. The comet was 178 million miles from Earth at the time.

This is Hubble’s latest observation since the object’s discovery in July 2025. The data helps scientists refine their understanding as the comet speeds away forever. According to NASA, the object remains on a hyperbolic, unbound path out of our solar system.

Overwhelming Evidence Points to a Natural Object

Over twenty spacecraft and telescopes studied 3I/ATLAS. This includes Earth-orbiting observatories and instruments around Mars. The collective data strongly supports the conclusion it is a natural comet.

Initial Hubble images showed a teardrop-shaped dust cloud. Recent James Webb Space Telescope data detected water ice and carbon dioxide. This outgassing behavior is typical for comets, not machinery.

The comet exhibited non-gravitational acceleration near the sun. This is consistent with jets from sublimating ice. Mainstream astronomers see no signs of alien technology, or “technosignatures.”

Controversial Claims of an Alien Spacecraft Persist

Not all scientists are convinced by the official explanation. Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb has published contrasting analysis. He argues the object’s light shows a “heartbeat-like” pattern.

Loeb suggests this could indicate artificial propulsion or internal mechanisms. He has also pointed to unusual dust structures in the comet’s tail. These features, he claims, warrant deeper investigation.

However, agencies like NASA maintain their position. They state the available evidence overwhelmingly suggests a natural origin. For now, the scientific consensus labels 3I/ATLAS an interstellar comet.

Astronomers are racing to collect the last precious data on this historic visitor. The fleeting interstellar comet offers a unique chance to study material from another star system. Once it departs, it will never return.

Info at your fingertips

What makes 3I/ATLAS an “interstellar” comet?

It originated from outside our solar system. Its speed and trajectory prove it is not bound by the sun’s gravity and is just passing through.

Why do most scientists believe it is a natural comet?

Data shows classic comet behavior. This includes outgassing of volatiles like water ice and a dusty coma, which matches known natural phenomena.

What is Avi Loeb’s main argument against this?

He cites anomalous features like periodic light variations and strange tail structures. Loeb argues these could be consistent with artificial objects, though this is a minority view.

Will we be able to study it again?

No. 3I/ATLAS is on a one-way trip out of our solar system. The current observations are the final chance to gather data on this unique object.

How many interstellar objects have been confirmed?

Only three. 3I/ATLAS is the third, following 1I/’Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Each provides valuable comparative data.