China’s Tianwen-1 Captures Rare Image of Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS as Scientists Probe Its Mysterious Behavior

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has released a rare image of the mysterious interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, taken by its Tianwen-1 Mars Orbiter. The image, captured on October 3, has intrigued astronomers worldwide as the object continues to defy conventional cometary behavior.

According to CNSA, the High-Resolution Imaging Camera (HiRIC) aboard Tianwen-1 took the photo when 3I/ATLAS was 28.96 million kilometers from the orbiter. The image marks one of the clearest space-based observations of the celestial body as it travels through the inner solar system.

☄️ What Makes 3I/ATLAS So Mysterious

3I/ATLAS — only the third confirmed interstellar object ever detected after ‘Oumuamua (1I) and Borisov (2I) — has baffled astronomers since its discovery. Initially believed to be a comet, it has exhibited unusual changes in brightness, color, and speed, and recently sped up near the Sun to approximately 244,620 km/h, according to NASA’s tracking data.

While NASA suggests that the Sun’s gravity could explain the acceleration, many scientists, including Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, believe the behavior might point to non-gravitational forces — perhaps linked to unusual material composition or outgassing patterns.

🔭 No Tail, No Cloud — A Cosmic Mystery Deepens

Traditionally, comets approaching the Sun develop a bright tail and a cloud of gas and dust caused by solar heating. However, 3I/ATLAS shows no visible tail or dust cloud, as confirmed by images from the R. Naves Observatory and the Virtual Telescope Project.

“Considering how much mass 3I/ATLAS should have lost near the Sun, there should be a cloud of roughly 5 billion tons of dust and gas around it. But we’re not seeing it,” said Avi Loeb, noting that the absence of these features challenges its classification as a comet.

This anomaly has sparked new debates over whether 3I/ATLAS could be a non-cometary interstellar fragment, or even an artificial object — echoing similar discussions around ‘Oumuamua in 2017.

🌌 China’s Tianwen-1 Adds New Insight

CNSA’s image of 3I/ATLAS is a significant contribution to ongoing research. Taken from Mars orbit, it offers a unique viewing angle compared to Earth-based telescopes, which are currently struggling to capture clear visuals as the object moves away from the Sun’s glare.

The Tianwen-1 orbiter, launched in 2020, continues to operate beyond its primary Mars mission, now contributing to deep-space observation efforts.

🪐 What’s Next for Scientists

Astronomers worldwide are monitoring 3I/ATLAS as it becomes visible again from Earth-based observatories. The Sky Live Tracker and other online tools are helping enthusiasts follow its position in real time.

Scientists expect that as it moves farther from the Sun, new data may clarify whether it’s a comet, asteroid, or something altogether different.

Until then, 3I/ATLAS remains one of the most enigmatic interstellar visitors ever observed — a cosmic riddle challenging our understanding of objects beyond our solar system.