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What's the Deal with Comet 3I/ATLAS?

Rio Hurtado, ChileTuesday, November 11, 2025
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A Spark of Intrigue

Comet 3I/ATLAS has ignited a wave of speculation, capturing the attention of celebrities and a few scientists alike. Despite assurances, some remain unconvinced.

Discovery and Initial Observations

  • First spotted by the ATLAS telescope in Chile in July.
  • Radio signals detected by a South African observatory matched typical comet behavior.

Public and Scientific Reactions

  • Kim Kardashian raised questions on social media, prompting NASA’s acting administrator to clarify: It’s just a comet, not a threat.
  • Joe Rogan discussed the comet on his podcast with Harvard professor Avi Loeb, who suggested it could be alien technology.
  • Rogan noted the comet’s unusual behavior, fueling further curiosity.

Expert Opinions

  • Physicist Michio Kaku proposed the comet might be 7 billion years old, explaining its unique appearance.
  • Kaku also highlighted NASA’s lack of transparency regarding data collected when the comet passed by Mars, sparking more speculation.

The Ongoing Debate

While most scientists agree it’s just a comet, the mystery persists, keeping the conversation alive.

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