Astronomers Detect Signals from Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS, No Evidence of Extraterrestrial Technology Found

Astronomers have conducted detailed observations of the interstellar comet known as 3I/ATLAS using the Green Bank radio telescope, aiming to detect any unusual signals that might indicate the presence of extraterrestrial technology. However, the results did not provide conclusive evidence in this regard.

According to a report from Science Alert, the Breakthrough Listen team employed one of the world's most sensitive radio telescopes, measuring 100 meters in diameter, to monitor the comet for several hours as it approached its closest point to Earth on December 19, 2025.

The scientists focused on identifying what are termed "technosignatures" across a wide range of radio frequencies. Although several signals were detected during the observation period, further analysis revealed that they did not originate from the comet itself, but were likely the result of interference from human-made signals.

Discovered on July 1, 2025, comet 3I/ATLAS is believed to originate from outside the solar system, making it a significant subject of scientific interest. It reached its closest approach to Earth at a distance of approximately 270 million kilometers, a sufficient distance for detailed observations using advanced observational instruments.

During the observation process, the team utilized a precise observational mode that involved regularly changing the telescope's orientation towards the comet and other areas of the sky to filter out unrelated signals. After data refinement, nine potential signals were identified, but subsequent examination confirmed that they were of terrestrial origin.

Nonetheless, scientists noted that the lack of evidence does not rule out the possibility of extraterrestrial technology existing; it simply confirms that the comet shows no signs of being an artificial object or a means of intelligent communication.

In this context, NASA officials stated that the comet behaves physically like a natural comet, and all available evidence supports this characterization, while acknowledging that its interstellar origin lends it particular scientific importance.

Researchers involved in the study emphasized that such investigations, even when they do not lead to groundbreaking discoveries, contribute to the development of observational tools and enhance scientists' understanding of cosmic phenomena, underscoring that "not finding anything" is itself a valuable scientific outcome.