New viral clip claims 3I/Atlas is sending signals as it gets closer to Earth — what we actually know

Recent social media discussions surrounding the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas have suggested it is sending signals to Earth. This notion stemmed from a viral video combining telescope footage with audio effects, but no observatory or radio facility has verified such transmissions. Instead, scientists from South Africa’s MeerKAT array and NASA’s Swift telescope have reported observing hydroxyl signatures typical of comet activity, specifically tied to the sublimation of water vapor when the comet nears the Sun.

NASA has reiterated that 3I/Atlas is approximately 170 million miles from Earth and exhibits behavior consistent with that of a natural comet. The hydroxyl signatures detected are a result of sunlight breaking apart water vapor—not signals or messages. The data captured reflects ice sublimation, gas outgassing, and other compositional attributes that align with expected comet behavior.

Furthermore, the comet’s trajectory remains safe, with no collision risks identified. These observations are significant for advancing understanding of comet composition and behavior as they pass through the solar system.

• Why it matters: Understanding the nature of interstellar comets like 3I/Atlas can provide insights into the early solar system and planetary formation, which may inform future scientific research and exploration.
• The latest: New long-distance images and spectral data have been released by NASA showing 3I/Atlas displaying typical cometary attributes without any evidence of artificial communication.