Fresh images and videos of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS have triggered a wave of curiosity online, with several users claiming the object appears to be “spinning” or showing unusual structures. While the posts have gained traction across social media platforms, no scientific agency has confirmed any of these observations.
The renewed interest began after new footage shared by Ray’s Astrophotography, followed by community discussions citing NASA updates, ESA observations, JUICE mission tracking, and independent astronomers’ videos. The comet, currently moving through the solar system on a one-time hyperbolic path, continues to fascinate space watchers worldwide.
Online Footage Fuels Speculation
A series of social media posts suggested that recent captures show a rotating pattern near the comet’s nucleus. One post compared the visual effect to images once recorded by the ESA’s ExoMars Orbiter and credited the footage to Diego San Araujo. However, nothing in the posts has been verified by NASA or ESA.
Another claim came from an amateur astronomer who shared a video reportedly taken around 9 pm EST, prompting users to link the motion to rotation. Anticipation grew further when a post mentioned that NASA would release new processed images of 3I/ATLAS during a scheduled livestream at 3 pm EST on Wednesday. The post described the comet as “spinning,” but again, no evidence supports the statement.
Additional posts claimed that stacked astrophotography images revealed five objects circling a central point, which viewers interpreted as a spinning effect caused by dust jets or coma variations. Other users cited images from Ray’s Astrophotography that appeared to show dust rings or “detached shells” extending up to 150,000 km—another unverified observation.
What Scientists Confirm About 3I/ATLAS
Comet 3I/ATLAS was first detected on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile. NASA confirmed its interstellar origin after orbital calculations showed it was travelling on a hyperbolic trajectory—meaning it is not gravitationally bound to the Sun and will not return once it exits the solar system.
It is the third known interstellar visitor, following 1I/ʻOumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019).
Early analyses indicate the comet may contain significant carbon dioxide, suggesting it formed in extremely cold regions of another star system. During its journey, 3I/ATLAS made its closest planetary approach to Mars on October 2–3, passing at a distance of around 29 million km.
Where the Comet Is Now
Travelling at speeds exceeding 210,000 km/h, 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth, NASA confirms. After reaching perihelion on October 30, the comet shifted into the pre-dawn sky and is now visible low on the eastern horizon.
Because of its distance—previously about 1.8 astronomical units from Earth—the comet is too faint for unaided viewing. Observers require a telescope with at least an 8-inch aperture to catch it. It is expected to remain visible during early morning hours through November and December.
Meanwhile, ESA’s JUICE spacecraft is conducting observation sessions between November 2 and 25, with data expected in 2026.
Conclusion: Still No Evidence of Spinning
Despite multiple viral posts, there is no scientific confirmation that 3I/ATLAS is spinning, producing symmetrical dust rings, or showing non-cometary behaviour. Most of the circulating visuals appear to be early, unprocessed astrophotography that can easily create illusions of rotation due to stacking, tracking errors, or natural coma variations.
Astronomers advise waiting for upcoming official releases from NASA and ESA, which are expected to provide clearer insights into the comet’s behaviour as it continues its brief visit through the solar system.
