A captivating large-scale image of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS has emerged, showcasing a striking multi-jet structure that has captured the attention of astronomers and scientists alike. The image, reported by Frank Niebling and Michael Buchner, was generated from a stacked series of five exposures, each lasting three minutes, captured between 5:08 and 5:23 UT on November 9, 2025, using two different telescopes.
This remarkable image reveals two sunward anti-tail jets extending up to 10 arcminutes and a longer elongated jet that reaches outwards from the Sun, extending to an angular separation of 30 arcminutes—approximately the size of the Sun or Moon in the sky. When measured from its current distance of 326 million kilometers from Earth, the spatial dimensions of these features are impressive: the anti-tail jets measure around 0.95 million kilometers and the tail jet extends approximately 2.85 million kilometers.
The sheer scale of this jet structure is astonishing, being three orders of magnitude larger than the glowing halo around 3I/ATLAS captured in a previous Hubble Space Telescope image from July 2025. This significant multi-jet structure is an intriguing focal point for future observations, especially with the upcoming Hubble and Webb telescopes, as 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025, coming within 269 million kilometers.
Given the expected outflow velocity of only 0.4 kilometers per second for a natural comet, the observed scales suggest that these jets have been ejected over the past few months. Notably, the anti-tail jets have a ram-pressure that exceeds that of the solar wind, with their outer mass density being up to a million times greater than that of the solar wind, suggesting a unique and dynamic interaction with solar influences.
These findings lead to intriguing questions about the origin of 3I/ATLAS. The inferred mass of 50 billion tons raises anomalies when compared to similar interstellar objects, notably 1I/`Oumuamua, which had a significantly smaller estimated mass. The odds of encountering such a substantial interstellar object are incredibly slim, prompting scientific discussions on the possible technological influences behind its characteristics.
In examining whether 3I/ATLAS is of natural or technological origin, the prospect of utilizing alternative propulsion mechanisms, like chemical or ion thrusters, emerges as a possibility worthy of exploration. This could significantly reduce the mass loss associated with the jets emanating from the object.
The unanswered questions regarding the velocity, mass flux, and composition of these jets present exciting opportunities for upcoming spectroscopic observations, which could shed light on the true nature of this enigmatic object.
The pioneering research surrounding 3I/ATLAS embodies the ethos of scientific exploration, emphasizing the humble pursuit of knowledge over the arrogance of presumed expertise, and continues to inspire curiosity about the mysteries of our universe.