Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas Sparks Online Debate Over Possible Rotation

New images and short videos of the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas have been circulating widely on social media and space forums, leaving viewers wondering if the comet is spinning or showing unusual motion.

Some clips make it appear as if the comet is rotating or has circular dust patterns around it. Others show bright spots or shapes near the nucleus, making people think it might have rings. However, scientists have not confirmed any rotation or unusual activity.

Why People Think 3I/Atlas is Rotating

Hobby astronomers and astrophotographers have shared several clips that sparked speculation:

1. Comparisons with older footage – A video comparing 3I/Atlas to older ESA ExoMars images made it look like the comet was turning. No space agency has verified this.

2. Astrophotography videos – Some recent clips show tiny movements or changes in light, which viewers interpreted as rotation.

3. Stacked long-exposure photos – Combining multiple long-exposure images can create bright spots or streaks. Experts say these may be caused by:

   • Dust jets from the comet

   • Camera shake

   • Variations in the coma (the gas cloud around the nucleus)

4. Alleged dust rings – Some images seem to show rings, but NASA and ESA have not confirmed them.

Most of these visual effects are likely due to how cameras capture light, not actual rotation.

What We Know About 3I/Atlas

• Discovered on 1 July 2025 in Chile

• Originates from outside the Solar System

• On a hyperbolic path, so it will not return

• Traveling extremely fast, over 210,000 km/h

• Closest approach to the Sun occurred on 30 October 2025

Where to See the Comet

• Best viewing: Before dawn

• Direction: Low in the east

• Telescope needed: At least 8 inches

• Closest planet during October: Mars, 29 million km away

• Cannot be seen with the naked eye

Why Scientists Are Watching

3I/Atlas may contain frozen gases and materials from another star system. Interstellar objects are very rare. Before 3I/Atlas, only Oumuamua and Borisov were observed.

Currently, there is no evidence that the comet is spinning. Scientists believe the “rotation” seen in videos is caused by:

• Camera angles

• Long-exposure techniques

• Dust activity

• Light reflections

NASA and ESA continue to study the comet as it moves outward from the Sun.