NASA’s Perseverance rover captures mysterious interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on Mars: Is it alien probe or just a cosmic artefact | – The Times of India

A recently circulated photo from NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover has sparked renewed fascination with interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. The image appears to show a bright, cylindrical object moving across the Martian sky, igniting online debates about its true nature. While some speculate it could be an alien spacecraft, experts suggest the shape may result from long-exposure imaging, creating an elongated artifact. Astronomers and space enthusiasts are closely examining NASA’s raw data, attempting to distinguish between photographic effects and genuine interstellar phenomena. The comet, which passed near Mars on October 3, 2025, measures roughly 46 kilometers in diameter and travels at around 60 kilometers per second, making it a rare opportunity for observation from both Mars and Earth.

NASA’s Perseverance rover captures potential first images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on Mars

NASA’s Perseverance rover, exploring the Martian surface, appears to have photographed interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS during its flyby of Mars on October 3, 2025. The comet, estimated at roughly 46 kilometers in diameter, was moving at an astonishing speed of 60 kilometers per second.Amateur astronomers and space enthusiasts, including Stefan Burns and Simeon Schmauß, began examining NASA’s raw image datasets. Burns compiled a nine-minute time-lapse from the rover’s Mastcam-Z images on October 2, showing a bright object rapidly crossing the Martian sky. Similarly, Schmauß identified a faint smudge of light near the comet’s predicted location, which could indicate Perseverance captured an early glimpse of the interstellar visitor on October 1.“After stacking 20 images from Mastcam-Z, I found a faint smudge of light in the constellation Corona Borealis near the predicted position,” Schmauß explained.If confirmed, these images could represent the earliest photos of 3I/ATLAS from Mars’ surface.

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS sparks debate over alien probe theory and unusual trajectory

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was first observed by NASA on July 1, 2025. Classified as only the third confirmed interstellar visitor to our solar system—following ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019—the comet’s trajectory is highly unusual. Unlike typical comets with elliptical orbits around the Sun, 3I/ATLAS follows a hyperbolic path, entering from deep space and continuing back into interstellar space.Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb has suggested that 3I/ATLAS might not be a natural object. In his book Extraterrestrial, Loeb hypothesizes that the comet could be an alien probe sent to explore our solar system, pointing to its unusual speed and trajectory as supporting evidence. However, most scientists argue that the comet’s motion and appearance can be explained by natural cometary processes, including the sublimation of ice producing a visible coma and tail.This debate highlights the importance of careful observation and exploration, particularly when interstellar objects defy conventional expectations.

Viral image of 3I/ATLAS on Mars sparks speculation but may be camera artefact

The viral image of 3I/ATLAS shows a glowing cylindrical shape, leading to speculation that the comet could be an alien spaceship. Experts caution, however, that this elongation is likely a result of long exposure or integration times used by the rover’s Mastcam-Z system. Long-duration imaging can stretch bright objects, creating artifacts that appear elongated or cylindrical.While intriguing to the public, these photographic quirks do not necessarily indicate extraterrestrial technology. Nonetheless, the image offers valuable data for astronomers studying the interstellar visitor from a unique vantage point: the surface of Mars.

NASA’s Perseverance rover captures comet 3I/ATLAS flying past Mars

The flyby of 3I/ATLAS around Mars on October 3 generated global attention among scientists, astronomers, and space enthusiasts. Social media platforms quickly shared images, time-lapses, and analyses from both professional and amateur observers.Stefan Burns’ time-lapse showed rapid movement across the Martian sky, while Simeon Schmauß’ analysis highlighted a faint light near the comet’s predicted location. If verified, these observations provide unprecedented insights into 3I/ATLAS’ path, speed, and visibility from another planetary surface.

Is 3I/ATLAS a threat to Earth

Despite sensational online theories, interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth. Its closest approach will be 1.8 astronomical units (about 170 million miles) away—over four times the distance between Earth and the Moon. NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have confirmed that the comet will safely pass through the solar system before continuing its journey back into interstellar space.This rare opportunity allows scientists to study an interstellar object up close while ensuring our planet remains completely safe.Also Read | Comet 3I/ATLAS: Rare interstellar visitor speeds through solar system at 130,000 mph, passing Mars and Jupiter