New images show 3I/ATLAS has violent jets
Unsplash/IBTimes UK

Is 3I/ATLAS just another interstellar comet, or something more? Stunning new images of the interstellar visitor are forcing a difficult conversation. The object is displaying dramatic, unexpected activity, prompting a surge of public debate over its true nature.

Why Are These New Images of 3I/ATLAS So Baffling?

Astrophotographer Satoru Murata captured an image on 16 November 2025. Using a 0.2-metre telescope in New Mexico, his 24 combined exposures revealed multiple jets. The object displayed activity both towards and away from the Sun, including an anti-tail and a long, tightly collimated tail.

Just a day later, on 17 November 2025, Francois Kugel provided further observations with a 0.4-metre telescope, adding to the high-quality data.

Is 'Narrow-Minded' Science Missing the Point?

These images are fuelling a global conversation, with many expressing frustration at what they see as a 'narrow-minded' scientific establishment. This sentiment is reflected in correspondence sent to the scientist Avi Loeb, who advocates for considering extraterrestrial possibilities.

Kevin, a software engineer, thanked Loeb for 'being the 10th man in this regard'. He wrote, 'Just because something is unlikely, does not mean that it is impossible... Who's to say we don't see something impossible tomorrow?'

From Public Frustration to a 'Primal Wonder'

This feeling of frustration is shared by many who feel dismissed by so-called experts. Leeann Grew, a stay-at-home carer in the UK, wrote, 'I love your honesty and passion for 3I/ATLAS. You have 100% of my respect.

Another supporter, who read Loeb's book Extraterrestrial, felt it 'activated a primal wonder in me that hasn't gone away'. This individual praised Loeb's 'willingness to dive into the unknown with an open mind', contrasting it with a world that can 'crush wonder and imagination quickly'.

Why The World Is Watching 3I/ATLAS

The object's unusual behaviour, combined with an open discussion of its possibilities, is attracting global interest.

Susana Martinez from Spain wrote to express 'sincere appreciation for the courage you have shown in speaking publicly about the 3I/ATLAS matter'. She noted his interviews 'stand out as a rare example of authenticity'.

From São Paulo, Brazil, Marcelo Martins de Castro expressed 'deep gratitude for your courage and clarity in opening new paths within science'. He added that Loeb's 'willingness to broaden the discussion' inspires people around the world.

The new images confirm 3I/ATLAS is not a passive object; it is active and complex. As public interest grows, the divide deepens between those who see a comet and those who, like Kevin, believe 'it is scientists like yourself that are the true backbone of discovery'.

The evidence is becoming clearer, but the question remains: what is it?

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