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.
A coordinated International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) campaign, running Nov. 27, 2025–Jan. 27, 2026, aims to settle the debate with high-precision tracking data.
For now, scientists agree that 31/ATLAS behaves like a natural interstellar comet, one that will eventually exit the Solar System after its close pass by the Sun. As NASA resumes operations, more images and spectra are expected to be released — bringing clarity to one of 2025’s most fascinating cosmic visitors.
