Loeb’s view: typical comets produce tails away from the Sun (solar radiation and wind push dust/gas outward), so a sunward-pointing jet (anti-tail) is a major anomaly requiring explanation. He warns that most comet experts openly call 3I/ATLAS a comet — yet they may be glossing over this oddity.
Upcoming key phase:
3I/ATLAS is expected to reach its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) around October 29, 2025 (~1.36–1.38 AU) in a region where it will be hidden behind the Sun from Earth-based telescopes.
During that sun-occluded phase, any un-observed changes in the object’s trajectory or outgassing behavior could shift its later visibility and path. For example, if solar flares or the Sun’s gravity induce a slight perturbation, when it re-emerges post-sun, telescopes may see a changed object, altered jet behavior, or unexpected angles. This window makes it a high-stakes observational gap.
Closest approach to Earth and safety.
Analysis shows that 3I/ATLAS will not collide with Earth; the closest approach is safe and distant. Therefore, at present there is no credible impact threat.
