High-resolution image of 3I/ATLAS showing seven prominent jets, sparking debate over its structure and cosmic origin (Photo: X | @3IATLASEXPOSED)
The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS made international headlines recently when new images of it revealed that seven jets emanated from its surface. Comparisons on social media have been made between the angles of those jets and the layout of Egypt's Pyramids of Giza which has led to speculation over possible cosmic connections. These are still unverified claims and astronomers are carefully studying the object to understand exactly what it is.
An image of 3I/ATLAS, taken recently by astronomer Frank Niebling at the PixelSkies Observatory in Spain, reveals the comet to have glowing ion tails shaped under the influence of solar wind.
Combined with earlier exposures, the data reveal two anti-tail jets directed toward the Sun and a longer jet extending away. The jets span nearly 2.85 million kilometers, far larger than the size of the halo captured in Hubble images from July 2025.
Online discussions have linked the seven jets with the Great Pyramids of Giza, suggesting a geometric alignment and even claiming a special sky alignment on Christmas Eve 2025. None of these claims are more than anecdotal and have absolutely no scientific verification.
ALSO READ: Indian Plate Is Splitting Beneath the Himalayas: What Scientists Just Found
Astronomers emphasize that the structure and alignment so observed are natural and regarding the activity in the comet, not evidence for any sort of connection to ancient architecture.
Astrophysicist Avi Loeb estimated that 3I/ATLAS would approach Earth closest on December 19, 2025, at a distance of 269 million kilometers. With a mass possibly over 50 billion tons and a diameter of at least 10 km if natural, the jets have been on for as long as three months with gas outflow velocities of about 0.4 km/s. These parameters make 3I/ATLAS one of the largest and most intriguing interstellar objects studied to date.
Loeb considered the possibility that the jets may be technological in origin. He compared the mass loss to chemical and ion thrusters; the scale of the ejected material becomes unusually large for a natural comet.
ALSO READ: Barycenter Mystery: The Hidden Point That Keeps Our Solar System in Motion | Not the Sun
While intriguing, no conclusive evidence yet points to artificial propulsion. Scientists stress that what is needed to determine the object's origin is rigorous observation and spectroscopic analysis.
Upcoming spectroscopic studies will measure the velocity, mass flux and composition of the jets which will help elucidate whether 3I/ATLAS is a natural interstellar body or an engineering product.
Meanwhile, speculation about connections to ancient human structures continues unabated on social media but for the astronomers themselves, the proof lies in the data measurement that can unravel the mystery of this remarkable interstellar visitor.
ALSO READ: NASA Study Shows Red Giant Stars Can Wipe Out Surrounding Planets
Disclaimer: No scientific evidence currently links 3I/ATLAS jets to the Pyramids of Giza; comparisons are speculative and unverified.
