A mysterious interstellar object discovered earlier this year, 3I/ATLAS, is set to reach its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) on October 29, passing at roughly 1.36 astronomical units (AU)—similar to the orbit of Mars. Unlike typical comets, 3I/ATLAS has exhibited unusual behaviour that has captivated astronomers and sparked speculation about its true nature.

Unusual behaviour raises eyebrows

Anti-solar tail: Early observations showed gas ejecting toward the Sun, rather than away from it—a reversal of normal comet physics.

Tail reversal: By September, the anti-tail had flipped direction, further puzzling scientists.

Industrial chemical detected: Spectral analysis revealed traces of nickel tetracarbonyl, a compound not found in natural comets but used in industrial metal refining o

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