3I/ATLAS is the name given to the interstellar object that, following the findings of a research team, appears to be flashing a strange pulse signal. Reportedly, the sequence follows the Fibonacci pattern and was received at a frequency associated with interstellar communication. Scientists say it could be the most curious cosmic signal of 2025.
What makes the 3I/ATLAS signal so unusual?
According to a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), researchers have recorded a stable pulse sequence of 8 • 13 • 8 • 5 • 13 • 8 at 1420 MHz. This frequency, also known as the hydrogen line, is often used in SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) research and called the “interstellar calling channel”.
The pulse was detected across a distance of 15,000 kilometres at the same time, ruling out transmission or instrument errors. Scientists noted the signal’s stability and said it appeared unaffected by the object’s rotation, which is rare for natural cosmic sources. Researchers believe the pulses could be deliberate and intelligent.
A decoded message from the transmission reportedly reads, “Observe. Prepare. Understand. The Gate Awaits.” If confirmed, this could mark the first-ever interstellar communication from an object entering our Solar System.
Why is the Fibonacci pattern drawing attention?
The Fibonacci sequence, present in the numeric patterns of DNA, galaxies, and plants, would seem to shape the signal detected from 3I/ATLAS, re-raising even theories of intelligent or artificial origin.
Earlier, filmmaker and researcher David Sereda reported unusual light emissions from 3I/ATLAS on 13 October 2025. He said the lights followed a Fibonacci rhythm, coinciding with the 108th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fátima in Portugal. Sereda previously worked with MIT physicist Bogdan C. Maglich on nuclear fusion research.
While excitement around the signal continues to grow, experts have urged caution. Several unverified claims float around online, and the researchers are yet to verify whether the transmission is genuine or natural interference.
What do we know about 3I/ATLAS?
The interstellar object was first detected in July 2025 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii. The astronomers quickly realised it wasn't a normal comet. It follows a hyperbolic path, meaning it is not bound by the Sun's gravity and will not return once it leaves the Solar System.
Its interstellar origin was later confirmed by several observatories. Theoretical physicist Michio Kaku described it as a “mystery interstellar object” passing through space on a one-time journey. Scientists believe it may have been ejected from another star system after a close encounter with a giant planet.
How close did it come to Earth?
3I/ATLAS made its closest approach to Earth on 29 October 2025, coming within 1.8 astronomical units – or about 167 million miles. That distance is almost twice the gap between Earth and the Sun, meaning there is no threat to the planet.
This flyby gives astronomers an opportunity to study the object's structure, speed, and chemical makeup in greater detail. The data will help understand how such interstellar visitors form and travel across galaxies.
When can it be seen again?
At present, 3I/ATLAS cannot be viewed with the naked eye. It has a brightness level between 12 and 14 magnitude, which requires a telescope of at least 8 inches in aperture. The comet is currently behind the Sun, a stage known as solar conjunction, making it invisible from Earth.
Astronomers expect it to reappear in December 2025 when it will be visible once again from the Northern Hemisphere. In dark skies, observers with telescopes may spot its glowing coma and tail as it moves away from the Sun.
The question, then, as scientists continue to study this rarely visiting cosmic traveller, is whether 3I/ATLAS is a natural wanderer or actually carries a message from the stars.
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