Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Hubble Captures Twin Jets from Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
The Hubble Space Telescope took pictures of a comet named 3I/ATLAS that came from outside our solar system.
The pictures show two jets of material shooting out from the comet.
One jet points toward the Sun, and the other points away.
Scientists think these jets are connected to how the comet spins and what it's made of inside.
A scientist named Avi Loeb calculated that the Sun slightly changed the comet's path when it was closest to the Sun.
As the comet gets fainter, scientists will keep studying the data to learn more about it.
The comet was first spotted on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Chile and was confirmed as interstellar due to its unique trajectory.
The twin-jet pattern suggests a highly organized emission process likely tied to the comet’s rotation.
Hubble captured images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS showing twin jets of material.
Observations made on December 12 and 27, 2025, reveal one jet pointing toward the Sun and a weaker one pointing away.
The twin jets suggest an organized process linked to the comet's rotation and internal structure.
Harvard Physicist Avi Loeb calculated a 16-degree gravitational deflection of the comet by the Sun during perihelion.
Scientists will continue analyzing data as the comet fades to understand its mysterious nature.
- Who
- Hubble Space Telescope, Harvard Physicist Avi Loeb
- What
- Observation of twin jets from interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
- When
- Observations made on December 12 and 27, 2025
- Where
- Our solar system, as comet moves away from the Sun
- Why
- To understand the comet's rotation and internal structure
Scientific Analysis
Public Perception
Comet's Origin
Scientific Analysis
Scientists are focused on studying the comet's internal structure and rotational dynamics to understand its origin and composition.
Public Perception
The public is fascinated by the comet's interstellar journey and its rare visit to our solar system.
- Comet Name
- 3I/ATLAS
- Observation Dates
- December 12 and 27, 2025
- Jet Directions
- One toward the Sun, one away
- Rotation Wobble
- 7 degrees
- Gravitational Deflection
- 16 degrees during perihelion
- Discovery Date
- July 1, 2025
- Discovery Location
- Chile
- Perihelion Date
- October 29, 2025
