Breaking: New Calculations Change the Estimated Size of 3I/ATLAS

Video Description

3I/ATLAS has now passed its closest point to Earth, but instead of settling the science, new calculations have introduced a major contradiction. Recent estimates based on non-gravitational acceleration suggest a much smaller object than earlier measurements that showed no detectable acceleration at all. In this video, we break down how scientists estimate the size and mass of interstellar objects using tiny recoil forces caused by outgassing, why earlier ultra-precise tracking detected nothing, and how both results can be correct under different physical assumptions. We explore several scientifically plausible explanations, including revisions to acceleration measurements, mass loss over time, jet geometry and rotation, and uncertainties in density and internal structure. This is not speculation — it is how real scientific refinement happens, especially when studying rare interstellar objects formed around other stars. 3I/ATLAS continues to challenge existing models, not because it is extraordinary by default, but because it sits outside our usual experience with solar-system comets. IMAGE & DATA CREDITS / FAIR USE NOTICE This video may include publicly available images, plots, and visual data from amateur astronomers, observatories, and space-based telescopes, used under fair use for the purposes of scientific analysis, education, and commentary. All third-party imagery is: • Transformatively discussed • Contextualized with original narration • Used for explanatory and educational purposes Full credit is provided to original observers and image processors whenever possible. If you are the creator of any material shown and would like attribution updated, please contact me.