Comet 31/ATLAS: NASA’s Spacecraft MAVEN Captures Closest-Ever Views of Interstellar Visitor

Because the camera had to track the comet’s motion across the sky, the background stars appear as short, bright streaks—an effect that highlights the comet’s rapid movement.
NASA noted that while the comet appears faint in the images, the rover’s perspective provides a unique Mars-surface angle not possible anywhere else.

🔗 NASA — Perseverance Rover Updates (https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/)

Comet 31/ATLAS Fascinates Scientists and Conspiracy Theorists

Comet 31/ATLAS (also known as 3I/ATLAS) did not originate within our solar system. Its interstellar origins have fueled both scientific curiosity and wild speculation.

While reputable outlets highlight NASA’s findings, tabloids have promoted conspiratorial headlines such as:

• Rare comet or alien battleship flying near Earth? NASA reveals findings (Sky News)

• 3I/ATLAS really is a ‘spacecraft’ as scientist says new evidence points to ‘thrusters’ – Daily Star

• ‘Alien ship’ 31/ATLAS uses ‘engine’ to accelerate towards Earth as it turns odd shade of blue – Daily Star

NASA, however, confirms the object is a natural interstellar comet—not an extraterrestrial spacecraft.