Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Emits Unique Metal Alloy, Say Scientists

A recent analysis of the interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS has revealed that it is emitting a metal alloy never before observed in nature. This discovery was announced by Dr. Avi Loeb, a prominent astrophysicist at Harvard University, who shared findings from new images captured by the Keck II telescope in Hawaii.

According to Dr. Loeb, the object is producing a plume containing approximately four grams of nickel per second, notably without any detectable iron. This phenomenon is unprecedented among known comets and results in a compound called nickel tetracarbonyl, which has previously only been created through human industrial processes.

Dr. Loeb stated, “There is only one place where that is known to exist and that is in industrially produced nickel alloys. This was never observed for any other object.” This refined compound is utilized in various manufacturing applications, including aerospace metal coatings, indicating that the processes observed in 3I/ATLAS could provide new insights into materials science.

Unique Characteristics of 3I/ATLAS

Another intriguing aspect of 3I/ATLAS is its lack of a traditional cometary tail, which typically extends away from the Sun. Instead, observations from the Hubble Space Telescope indicated a unique stream of materials directed towards the Sun, estimated at around 150 kilograms per second. “Why are we seeing a jet pointed at the Sun?” Dr. Loeb questioned. “A stream of material in the direction of the Sun?”

The material in this stream primarily consists of carbon dioxide and water, with trace elements of cyanide and nickel. The absence of iron is particularly striking, as it challenges existing models of cometary composition.

As excitement builds in the astronomical community, skywatchers globally are eagerly awaiting additional images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These images were taken between October 4 and October 7, 2025, but their release has been delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown, which has impacted NASA’s communications department. Dr. Loeb expressed frustration over the situation, saying, “Who cares about the communication departments? We want to see the data from the scientists.”

The upcoming images from the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter are expected to provide crucial data about 3I/ATLAS during its brief visit to our inner solar system.

This discovery not only enhances our understanding of interstellar objects but also raises intriguing questions about the processes that govern their formation and behavior. As research continues, scientists hope to unravel the mysteries surrounding 3I/ATLAS and its unique characteristics, potentially revolutionizing our knowledge of cosmic phenomena.