Panic rippled through the global scientific community early this morning after astronomers confirmed that 3I/ATLAS, the mysterious interstellar object already defying known laws of motion, has split into two distinct fragments — both now accelerating in opposite directions.

The unprecedented event was detected by multiple observatories, including NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the European Southern Observatory, triggering what one insider described as “a full-scale data lockdown.”

“The readings don’t make sense,” said a JPL scientist who spoke under condition of anonymity. “This isn’t a natural breakup. The energy signatures suggest internal propulsion — like it chose to divide.”

Moments later, Elon Musk weighed in on X, warning: “What’s coming next will change Earth forever.” His post sparked chaos across social media, fueling theories ranging from alien technology to deep-space weaponry.

Astrophysicists are scrambling to understand what could cause such behavior. Traditional explanations — like rotational stress or thermal fragmentation — fail to explain the object’s precise trajectory shift or synchronized movement. “It’s as if the two halves are communicating,” said Dr. Rena Patel of Caltech.

NASA officials have not released a formal statement but confirmed that multiple satellites have been redirected to monitor both objects. “This is no longer just a curiosity,” one source said. “It’s an active situation.”