FOLLOW US

  • facebook
  • twitter
Wed

March 11, 2026

America November 5, 2025

Dust Coma Around Interstellar Visitor 31/ATLAS Creates Transparency Debate and Scientific Excitement

America ı By Jackie Allen

16,301 0 Comments

Interstellar object 31/ATLAS has turned a rare scientific moment into a noisy debate over transparency, data releases, and alleged radio signals. The object — only the third confirmed interstellar visitor — continues to captivate astronomers and the public alike. In July, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope captured a dust coma surrounding 31/ATLAS, a signature of sublimating ice.

A Rare Visitor with a Dust Coma: NASA and ESA Observe 31/ATLAS

 Later, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) recorded spectra rich in carbon dioxide, providing key insights into its composition. Even Mars orbiters joined in, attempting side-on views as the comet swept past the Red Planet. Read more at:

Claims of Withheld Images and Funding Freeze

Controversy erupted after Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb alleged that NASA withheld images captured by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) on October 2–3. Loeb argued that science data should not be delayed due to funding issues, noting in a Medium post (Nov. 1, 2025) that: “We should not hold science hostage to the shutdown politics of the day... Joe Rogan suggested that I contact the interim NASA administrator, Sean Duffy.” NASA has not issued a direct rebuttal but cited a funding lapse as the reason for the delayed updates. As per an October 1 NASA Science report, the agency stated: “There has been a lapse in funding … civil servant points of contact … will be unable to respond.”  

What the Data Actually Shows

Meanwhile, ESA released faint detections from ExoMars CaSSIS and Mars Express, with ESA scientist Nick Thomas noting: “This was a very challenging observation for the instrument. The comet is around 10,000 to 100,000 times fainter than our usual target.” Comet 31/ATLAS Visible from Earth: Astronomers Capture Stunning Images of the Interstellar Visitor - USA Herald NASA’s August 25 report stressed that 31/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth, reaffirming its natural composition. Hubble’s image showed a teardrop-shaped dust coma, typical of cometary outgassing. The JWST spectra confirmed a CO₂-rich coma, while ESO’s Very Large Telescope detected faint traces of nickel and iron, similar to other active comets. The SETI Institute has clarified that “interstellar does not mean mysterious signals by default,” addressing social media speculation about alleged radio pulses.

Harvard’s Hypothesis vs. Scientific Consensus

Loeb continues to propose that non-gravitational acceleration observed near perihelion could hint at unusual physics. However, pre-perihelion orbital fits by Cloete, Loeb, and Vereš found no measurable acceleration beyond normal outgassing. The final verdict will depend on post-conjunction astrometry, which will emerge as 31/ATLAS reappears from the Sun’s glare.
12

Previous Article

Dish Network Fires Back in $2M 401(k) Fund Lawsuit, Calls Claims “Baseless”

Read More
Jackie Allen
3078 Posts

Jackie Allen

Jackie is a freelance journalist and technology geek. She worked as a telecom project director for AT&T and BellSouth. Before joining the USA Herald she has written books, articles, blogs and whitepapers. Her clients include Samsung and other technology companies.

Don’t Miss It
Arizona December 12, 2024
Arizona Bar Opens Investigation on Attorney Aaron Kelly
By – Paul O'Neal
Insurance News March 10, 2026
LIRG Agrees Delegated Underwriting Authority with Mandarin Re
By – Rochdi Rais
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift
By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor
By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation
By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Google and Tesla Power Grid Initiative Targets Lower Energy Costs
By – Rihem Akkouche
Arizona January 11, 2025
Kelly Warner Law Firm Blames USA Herald for Arizona Bar Investigation

In what appears as a desperate attempt to defend multiple allegations of fraud on the courts, the Kelly Warner Law…

By – USA Herald
Arizona January 4, 2025
Aaron Kelly Law Firm Resorts To Attacking Former Client Again On KellyWarnerLaw.com – Pattern Recognized

Attorney Aaron Kelly and his law partner Daniel Warner are currently under investigation by the Arizona Bar for legal misconduct.…

By – Jeff Watterson
Arizona December 12, 2024
Arizona Bar Opens Investigation on Attorney Aaron Kelly

USA Herald recently reported on a developing story involving Attorneys Daniel Warner and Aaron Kelly. Both Warner and Kelly have…

By – Paul O'Neal
Insurance News March 10, 2026
LIRG Agrees Delegated Underwriting Authority with Mandarin Re

   “Deal Covers Property Facultative, Treaty, and ILW contracts”   Miami, Florida – March 10, 2026: Algorithmic Insurance Services, Inc.…

By – Rochdi Rais
America March 10, 2026
Rhoda AI Secures $450M Funding to Power Next-Gen Industrial Robots

In a move set to electrify the robotics industry, Rhoda AI $450M funding marks one of the largest early-stage investments…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Rhoda AI Secures $450M Funding to Power Next-Gen Industrial Robots

In a move set to electrify the robotics industry, Rhoda AI $450M funding marks one of the largest early-stage investments…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Medtronic to Buy Scientia Vascular in $550 Million Neurovascular Deal

In a move poised to reshape the future of stroke treatment technology, Medtronic to buy Scientia Vascular marks a major…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 10, 2026
Rhoda AI Secures $450M Funding to Power Next-Gen Industrial Robots

In a move set to electrify the robotics industry, Rhoda AI $450M funding marks one of the largest early-stage investments…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Medtronic to Buy Scientia Vascular in $550 Million Neurovascular Deal

In a move poised to reshape the future of stroke treatment technology, Medtronic to buy Scientia Vascular marks a major…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 8, 2026
The Northern Lights Return

The Northern Lights have a chance to be visible from several northern U.S. states on Tuesday night, forecasters at the…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
February Unemployment Up as Job Losses Surprise Economists

February Unemployment Up as the latest labor market data revealed weaker-than-expected job growth and a slight increase in the national…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Late-Night Attack by Venezuelan National at Florida Beach

A Late-night attack by a Venezuelan National has left a Florida community shaken after authorities say a 26-year-old man ambushed…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Trump’s War in Iran: Congress Confronts Escalation After U.S. Strikes

Trump’s War in Iran  was triggered open conflict, casualties, and renewed constitutional debate in Washington. The crisis intensified following reports…

By – Jackie Allen
America February 28, 2026
U.S. And Israel Launch Major Strikes On Iran — What It Means For America

TEHRAN, Iran – In a dramatic escalation of global tensions, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 26, 2026
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Overturns $8M Asbestos Verdict Against BNSF Railway Co.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has thrown out an $8 million jury verdict against BNSF Railway…

By – Tyler Brooks
America March 10, 2026
Rhoda AI Secures $450M Funding to Power Next-Gen Industrial Robots

In a move set to electrify the robotics industry, Rhoda AI $450M funding marks one of the largest early-stage investments…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Medtronic to Buy Scientia Vascular in $550 Million Neurovascular Deal

In a move poised to reshape the future of stroke treatment technology, Medtronic to buy Scientia Vascular marks a major…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America February 21, 2026
When The Files Are Finally Unsealed The Most Mind-Bending Truth May Not Be What We Expect

[USA HERALD] – There is a widespread assumption that if governments release their most highly classified files related to unidentified…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 17, 2026
Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84 As President Trump Issues Personal Tribute

[USA HERALD] — The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure of the American civil rights movement whose career spanned more than…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 13, 2026
Clues to Savannah Guthrie Missing Mom’s Disappearance Found on Security System

The disappearance of the mother of Savannah Guthrie has taken a dramatic turn as investigators focus on digital clues tied…

By – Jackie Allen
America February 8, 2026
Mike Tyson Urges Americans to ‘Eat Real Food’ in Emotional Super Bowl Ad Highlighting Health Risks

Boxing legend Mike Tyson is using his platform ahead of Super Bowl 60 to address a personal and national health…

By – Tyler Brooks
America February 7, 2026
Deadly “Death Cap” Mushrooms in California Cause Multiple Deaths and Liver Transplants Amid Rare Super Bloom

California health officials are warning the public after four deaths and three liver transplants linked to the highly toxic death…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 7, 2026
From Migraines to Miracles: How Becca Valle Survived a Glioblastoma Diagnosis Against the Odds

Becca Valle, 41, thought her headaches were just migraines—until a sudden, unbearable pain revealed something far more serious. In September…

By – Tyler Brooks
America March 8, 2026
February Unemployment Up as Job Losses Surprise Economists

February Unemployment Up as the latest labor market data revealed weaker-than-expected job growth and a slight increase in the national…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Late-Night Attack by Venezuelan National at Florida Beach

A Late-night attack by a Venezuelan National has left a Florida community shaken after authorities say a 26-year-old man ambushed…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Trump’s War in Iran: Congress Confronts Escalation After U.S. Strikes

Trump’s War in Iran  was triggered open conflict, casualties, and renewed constitutional debate in Washington. The crisis intensified following reports…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 1, 2026
Cadillac Names Inaugural Formula 1 Car MAC-26 in Tribute to Mario Andretti Ahead of 2026 Australian Grand Prix Debut

Cadillac has officially revealed the name of its first Formula 1 challenger, confirming that its 2026 car will be called…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 20, 2026
Norway Tops Medal Table After Day 13 at 2026 Winter Olympics as Team USA Surges Into Second Place

With 13 days complete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Norway sits atop the overall medal standings, collecting 34…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 18, 2026
Olympic Science Explained: How Figure Skaters Spin at Blinding Speeds Without Getting Dizzy

When Amber Glenn finishes her routine, the arena usually rises with her. The music builds, her blades carve a tight…

By – Tyler Brooks

No posts found.

No posts found.

No comments No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Signup for the USA Herald
exclusive Newsletter