A renowned plasma physicist has stunned the astronomical community by claiming that 3I\/ATLAS is visible, not obscured behind the Sun.<\/p>\n
Visibility Questioned \u2014 and Re-affirmed<\/strong><\/p>\n In a post on X<\/a> (formerly Twitter<\/a>), Dr John Brandenburg declared: ‘Object 3I ATLAS had an apparent jet exhaust towards the Sun in Sept. producing a braking effect. This has now apparently reversed …’<\/p>\n That assertion directly challenges earlier commentary that the interstellar visitor was essentially hidden from view as it passed behind the Sun.<\/p>\n For example, one source reported that ‘3I\/ATLAS is behind the Sun from Earth … it can’t be seen in Earth’s sky’ at present. Dr Brandenburg’s commentary suggests the object is not entirely concealed and that its dynamics warrant a second look.<\/p>\n What We Know About 3I\/ATLAS<\/strong><\/p>\n The comet-like object 3I\/ATLAS<\/a> was discovered by the ATLAS survey and designated as the third known interstellar object.<\/p>\n In an article<\/a> entitled “Spying Interstellar Comet 3I\/ATLAS Near Perihelion”, researchers note how the object’s trajectory, composition, and activity are drawing intense scientific interest.<\/p>\n Among the intriguing details: it appears to have been active much earlier than expected, with indications of volatile sublimation at distances greater than typical for Solar System comets.<\/p>\n It exhibits a peculiar sunward ‘anti-tail’ plume<\/a>, which some observers interpret as material being ejected towards the Sun rather than away, an unusual behaviour for a comet.<\/p>\n It will reach perihelion (its closest approach to the Sun) on about 29 October 2025 at roughly 1.36 AU from the Sun.<\/p>\n Astronomers Divided on Visibility Claims<\/strong><\/p>\n The revelation that 3I\/ATLAS might already be visible has divided astronomers and enthusiasts alike.<\/p>\n On one hand, some insist the object is still lost in solar glare, its light drowned by the Sun’s radiance. On the other hand, Brandenburg’s observation hints that the comet’s unusual jet activity or its plasma interactions may have rendered it bright enough to detect, at least through specialised instruments.<\/p>\n If confirmed, this would indicate that 3I\/ATLAS is behaving in unexpected ways, perhaps shedding more dust and gas than anticipated, or even generating its own electromagnetic effects visible through space-based telescopes.<\/p>\n Such behaviour would make it the first interstellar comet observed under near-solar conditions in real time, adding to its already extraordinary status as only the third confirmed object from beyond our Solar System.<\/p>\n Dear Friends, The reports that 3I ATLAS , rather than being behind the Sun at Perihelion on Oct 29 ( that’s tomorrow) is actually Quite Visible in the sky away from the Sun are confirmed https:\/\/t.co\/BK2MZsUfOC<\/a> . Yes, this contradicts pervious “official” reports. Confused? Good! pic.twitter.com\/RyLbbAE086<\/a><\/p>\n\n