The interstellar comet 3I/Atlas has left scientists puzzled after it unexpectedly halted its movement for several days in Mars” orbit, located approximately 27 million kilometers from the planet, during October 2025. This unprecedented event defies established laws of physics, as objects on a hyperbolic trajectory are not expected to stop. Researchers are actively seeking explanations for this anomaly, which may suggest the influence of unknown forces.
Telescopes and Martian probes were able to capture detailed imagery of the comet, transforming it into a natural laboratory for scientific analysis. As the third interstellar object identified within the Solar System, 3I/Atlas exhibited a near-motionless state relative to the background stars, which is highly unusual considering its trajectory. NASA has ruled out any instrumental errors, confirming the reliability of the recorded data.
This event challenges existing orbital theories, as the kinetic energy of the comet should have prevented any cessation of movement. Spectroscopic data collected during its period of immobility revealed subtle vibrations within the comet”s nucleus. One hypothesis posits that interactions with magnetic fields or interstellar plasma could have caused this effect. Additionally, the presence of metallic grains on the surface of 3I/Atlas lends support to the idea of a temporary electromagnetic anchor.
Another possibility involves symmetrical microplumes of gas, which are rarely observed in comets. These factors suggest that 3I/Atlas possesses a more complex internal structure than that of typical comets. Analysis of the comet”s coma indicated a predominance of carbon dioxide, with a notably low water content, implying that it formed in the cold regions of a distant stellar system.
The nucleus of 3I/Atlas is estimated to measure between 320 meters and 5.6 kilometers in diameter, enveloped by a thick layer of gas and dust. Data indicates that the comet is approximately 10 billion years old, predating the formation of the Sun. Its chemical composition provides valuable insights into the formation of stellar systems during ancient epochs.
The pause exhibited by 3I/Atlas necessitates updates to the orbital simulation software currently employed to predict trajectories. Incorporating non-gravitational interactions will be vital for future calculations. This phenomenon underscores the importance of further studies into unknown forces at play in space.
After resuming its movement, 3I/Atlas is now heading towards its perihelion, which is expected to occur on October 29, 2025. The comet is projected to pass by Venus in November 2025 and Jupiter in March 2026 before exiting the Solar System. The proximity of the comet to Mars facilitated the collection of detailed records, and data regarding its brightness and gas emissions remains under analysis. This event has rendered 3I/Atlas a unique subject for studying rare cosmic phenomena.
