A viral TikTok video has sparked renewed discussions about extraterrestrial life, claiming that a NASA insider revealed interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS exhibits signs of “active manoeuvring.” The clip, shared by user @platet_earth, suggests that the comet’s behaviour deviates from that of a typical natural object. As the video gains traction on social media, astronomers are striving to differentiate between speculation and established science.
Comet 3I/ATLAS, first detected on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Last Alert System (ATLAS), is notable for being only the third interstellar object identified within our Solar System. It approached its closest point to the sun on October 29, 2025, reaching a distance of about 210 million kilometres, or approximately 1.4 times the distance between Earth and the sun. This positioning places the comet on the far side of the Solar System from Earth, causing it to be obscured by the sun for weeks. Ground-based telescopes have now resumed observation following this period.
Researchers assert that Comet 3I/ATLAS is significant not due to any purported alien activity but because of its remarkable age and unique composition. Studies indicate that it could be over seven billion years old, predating the Solar System itself. The comet’s unusually high levels of carbon dioxide and its unique nickel-to-other-elements ratio distinguish it from many other comets. These characteristics offer valuable insights into the chemical processes of the distant system where it originated.
While the allure of alien life often resurfaces whenever unusual cosmic phenomena are observed, astronomers caution against hasty conclusions. The so-called “alien question” has previously arisen with discoveries like ‘Oumuamua and Comet 2I/Borisov. A historical example includes scientist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who in 1967 humorously dubbed a newly detected radio signal “LGM 1,” short for “Little Green Men.” Although she did not believe the signal was of extraterrestrial origin, the catchy title captured public interest.
Experts emphasize that extraordinary claims necessitate extraordinary evidence. Current data from Comet 3I/ATLAS do not indicate signs of propulsion or directional changes that would imply intelligent control. The prevailing scientific consensus seeks to maintain focus on evidence-based discoveries rather than speculative theories, which can distract from genuine advancements in understanding.
Despite the dismissal of alien theories, 3I/ATLAS remains one of the most fascinating cosmic visitors documented. Its extraordinary composition and long journey through the cosmos provide a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of matter between star systems. Ongoing observations will involve both ground telescopes and spacecraft, including the European Space Agency’s Mars Express, ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, and Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer.
As scientists continue to monitor Comet 3I/ATLAS, they urge the public to channel curiosity into patient inquiry rather than impulsive speculation. An astronomer quoted by Live Science noted that embracing “uncertainties, mysteries, and doubts” is essential for driving scientific discovery. Although Comet 3I/ATLAS may not provide definitive evidence of alien life, it offers an exciting opportunity to study material that predates our Sun, potentially yielding insights into the broader universe that far surpass any viral video.
