NASA Insists Interstellar Visitor Is ‘Just a Comet’ as Public Speculation Lingers

NASA officials confirmed that the interstellar object known as 3I Atlas is behaving like a typical comet, despite public speculation suggesting it could be an alien spacecraft. The agency held a press conference, asserting that the data collected showed no indications of anything unusual. The object was first detected on July 1, 2025, by NASA's ATLAS survey telescope in Chile, making it the third confirmed interstellar object observed. In addition to standard comet behavior, scientists noted that it likely originated from an older star system. Social media reactions included skepticism and conspiracy theories, especially during a government shutdown that limited NASA's communication. Officials downplayed fears, highlighting the comet's nature as a small body of rock, ice, and dust while acknowledging differences from local solar system comets in carbon dioxide and water ratios. NASA emphasized that while Comet 3I Atlas is fascinating and unique, it poses no threat to Earth. Overall, public fascination and speculation continue, despite NASA's reassurances that it is simply a comet from outside the solar system.

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