(MENAFN) A substantial comet named 3I/ATLAS, initially detected this summer, has displayed signs of accelerating in a manner not explained by gravity and appeared to take on a blue tint as it neared the Sun, scientists reported.

Astrophysicist Avi Loeb from Harvard University indicated that data from the US space agency NASA suggested this extraordinary acceleration, likely caused by gas being expelled from the comet. He also mentioned that the comet might shed roughly half of its mass, leaving a significant trail of debris over the next several months, according to Fox News on Sunday.

Currently, astronomers cannot observe 3I/ATLAS from Earth, as it is positioned behind the Sun, restricting visibility for terrestrial telescopes.

The comet is anticipated to become visible again in early December, at which point direct observation from Earth will be possible.

In the meantime, NASA and international collaborators, including the European Space Agency (ESA), are tracking the comet using instruments aboard spacecraft.

Loeb suggested that if 3I/ATLAS shows no mass loss upon its return, "the non-gravitational acceleration might be the technological signature of an internal engine."

However, NASA’s Acting Administrator Sean Duffy dismissed this notion, posting on the US social media company X that "@NASA's observations show that this is the third interstellar comet to pass through our solar system. No aliens. No threat to life here on Earth."

Loeb also referenced studies indicating that intense evaporation could account for the comet’s unusual blue color, writing: "For a natural comet, this blue color is very surprising."

He added that the comet’s blue hue "could potentially be explained by a hot engine or a source of artificial light," though he acknowledged it may simply be due to ionized carbon monoxide from a natural object.

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