Reaching earth Dec 19th 2025

Unusual Metal Emissions

Astronomers have discovered that 3I/ATLAS is emitting unusual metals—specifically large amounts of nickel with little to no iron, a combination never before seen in natural comets. NewsNation Gazeta Express This “extreme abundance ratio” of nickel to iron is puzzling scientists because the temperatures at these distances are far too low to naturally vaporize these metallic grains. IFLScience

The “Industrial Alloy” Controversy

Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb has suggested the emissions resemble industrially produced nickel alloys—specifically nickel tetracarbonyl, a toxic compound used in industrial metal refining that has never been observed naturally in space. NewsNation The comet is emitting approximately 4 grams of nickel per second without accompanying iron. Uroubc

Current Status

The comet will reach its closest point to the Sun on October 29, 2025, at a distance of 1.36 astronomical units (about 203 million kilometers). It poses no threat to Earth and is expected to pass Jupiter in early 2026 before leaving our solar system. Wikipedia

While Loeb has raised the possibility of alien technology, most scientists are approaching this cautiously, suggesting the unusual chemistry could result from rare natural processes in 3I/ATLAS’s parent star system. The mystery remains unsolved as observations continue.

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