MeerKAT Detects OH From Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

Overview

• The South African radio array recorded OH absorption lines on Nov. 11–12, marking the first radio detection from 3I/ATLAS.
• The OH signature arises as sunlight breaks water released by outgassing, reinforcing a natural cometary interpretation.
• Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb has suggested an artificial origin, but he notes no radio emissions beyond the OH absorption have been reported.
• ESA’s JUICE mission is targeting the interstellar visitor with instruments through Nov. 25, with additional ground-based follow-ups continuing.
• Discovered on July 1 on a hyperbolic trajectory from beyond the Solar System, the object is forecast to make its closest pass to Earth on Dec. 19.