Overview
- On October 24, the MeerKAT radio telescope detected hydroxyl absorption at 1665 and 1667 MHz from 3I/ATLAS, reported via The Astronomer’s Telegram.
- The lines show velocity offsets near −15.6 km/s with narrow widths of roughly 0.9–1.3 km/s, signatures consistent with relatively cold cometary gas.
- The measurement indicates water‑derived volatiles and supports a natural, comet‑like interpretation rather than artificial transmissions.
- Global teams, including facilities in Bonn and at Green Bank, are pursuing continued monitoring ahead of the object’s closest approach to Earth on December 19 at about 1.8 AU, which agencies say poses no threat.
- A proposed low‑frequency search using NASA’s Juno dipole antenna near a March 16, 2026 Jupiter passage is being considered as some scientists continue to discuss low‑probability alternative origins.