Unveiling the Mystery: Is the Nucleus of 3I/ATLAS Really 15 Kilometers Wide?

New data from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) sheds light on the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. This unique object was first observed on May 15, 2025, when it was about six times farther from the Sun than Earth. Over the weeks that followed, scientists noted a slow brightening of 3I/ATLAS, indicating it might be losing mass, which created a glow visible in Hubble Space Telescope images.

The ZTF data highlights two phases in the object’s visibility: an initial “plateau” period followed by a more pronounced brightening starting in June 2025. Interestingly, from May 15 to the start of June, no significant increase in size was measured, hinting at stability before mass loss. The researchers have estimated that the nucleus of 3I/ATLAS could be around 5.6 kilometers in diameter, based on earlier models, but this is still a rough guess.

The brightening is thought to be due to ice fragments evaporating under sunlight, which creates a halo effect around the object. However, experts suggest that the actual size might be larger, potentially reaching about 15 kilometers. That’s nearly 20 times larger than the previous interstellar celebrity, 2I/Borisov. This means 3I/ATLAS might have a much greater mass, which raises questions about how often we encounter such giant objects from beyond our solar system.

One proposed explanation for its size is that 3I/ATLAS followed a specific trajectory toward the Sun, possibly influenced by more than just natural forces. Some scientists even wonder if there’s a technological origin to its flight path, given its unique alignment with the plane of the planets.

On October 3, 2025, 3I/ATLAS will be close enough to Mars for detailed imaging using the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. This close encounter will allow scientists to better assess the object’s characteristics and refine their estimates of its size and structure. High-resolution images could allow for a clearer understanding of its makeup, providing insights into its origins.

As the scientific community awaits further observations, public interest is high. On social media, many are excitedly discussing the implications of these findings. The story of 3I/ATLAS unfolds like a space mystery, and each new piece of data promises to bring us closer to understanding these fascinating objects that wander through our solar system.

Researchers emphasize the importance of gathering all evidence before jumping to conclusions. As highlighted by Sherlock Holmes, one must eliminate the impossible to discover the truth. The expected images from the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter might indeed be that critical evidence, serving as a “magnifying glass” in this cosmic investigation.

If you want to learn more about the ongoing research and findings, check the official Zwicky Transient Facility website for updates. The study on 3I/ATLAS hints at exciting possibilities, pushing the boundaries of what we know about interstellar objects and our own solar system. This is a captivating time for space exploration and discovery.

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