Comet 3I/ATLAS shows twin jets and rotational wobble in Hubble observations

Rare Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Reveals Twin Jets and Unique Rotation Pattern (Image: NASA)

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured striking images of comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar object to enter the solar system. Observations on December 12 and 27, 2025, revealed twin jets of material streaming from the comet. The images, reported by International Business Times UK, show one jet pointing roughly toward the Sun. A weaker jet extends in the opposite direction, away from the Sun, scientists noted.

Twin Jets Reveal Comet’s Internal Structure

The twin jets suggest a highly organised process related to rotation. Harvard physicist Avi Loeb explained the jets likely originate near the Sun-facing pole. He noted a 7-degree wobble around the comet’s rotation axis. This wobble indicated the jets persisted long before the comet reached perihelion. The double-jet structure reveals the comet’s internal activity and consistent emission pattern.

Loeb further highlighted the gravitational effects on 3I/ATLAS during its solar encounter. Calculations show the Sun’s gravitational pull deflected the comet by only 16 degrees at perihelion on October 29, 2025. The orientation of the rotation axis remained largely unchanged between July and December, he explained. This alignment placed the original Sun-facing pole on the comet’s nightside after perihelion.

Observing the Comet as It Exits the Solar System

The nightside pole now points in the same direction as the weaker jet. Meanwhile, the stronger jet continues to face the Sun as the comet departs. The pattern confirms the relationship between the comet’s rotation and jet activity. Scientists emphasised that Hubble’s images provide a rare glimpse of an interstellar object in motion.

As 3I/ATLAS fades from view, astronomers will continue analysing data. Future studies aim to uncover more about its composition and structure. The comet offers unique insight into material originating beyond the solar system. Researchers are particularly interested in how its jets relate to rotation and internal processes.

Hubble’s observations mark a valuable opportunity to study an interstellar visitor. The findings help refine models of comet behaviour under solar influence. Scientists anticipate more discoveries as they track 3I/ATLAS moving outward into deep space.