A new series of deep-space images released by Harvard astronomers has reignited global concern over the mysterious interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, whose origins and trajectory continue to puzzle scientists around the world.

Captured using the Magellan Telescope in Chile and analyzed by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), the latest images show unexpected surface activity — including what appear to be outgᴀssing plumes and fluctuating light signatures. These findings suggest that 3I/ATLAS may not be a dormant rock as previously believed, but a highly active object of unknown composition.

Dr. Amelia Vaughn, a senior astrophysicist at Harvard, stated in a briefing yesterday:

“The new images are unlike anything we’ve seen from an interstellar visitor. 3I/ATLAS seems to be emitting jets of material while accelerating in ways our current models can’t fully explain.”

NASA analysts, who have been tracking 3I/ATLAS since early 2024, confirmed that these cha

nges have slightly altered its projected trajectory — bringing renewed scrutiny to its potential near-Mars pᴀssage expected in the 2030s. While the chance of impact remains low, the unpredictable behavior has triggered fresh rounds of simulation studies at both NASA and the European Space Agency.

Responding to the Harvard findings, Elon Musk posted cryptically on X (formerly Twitter):

“This confirms everything they tried to hide… it’s not just a rock.”