Overview
- Arizona’s Lowell Observatory shared a post‑perihelion image as solar observatories reported rapid brightening, a blue tint and measurable non‑gravitational acceleration.
- NASA’s acting administrator said the object is the third interstellar comet identified and poses no threat to Earth.
- Harvard’s Avi Loeb floated a speculative “internal engine” idea, while scientists also note potential natural causes such as intense outgassing or ionized carbon monoxide for the blue color.
- Ground-based telescopes will regain visibility in early December, with the closest Earth pass expected on December 19 at roughly 167 million miles.
- Researchers plan to look for a massive coma or debris plume consistent with heavy mass loss, as spacecraft continue tracking, including ESA’s Juice sessions and views from missions such as PUNCH.