Prof. Avi Loeb revealed that NASA is withholding critical Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter images of 3I/ATLAS, which could explain its unusual perihelion brightening, blue-shifted spectrum, and non-gravitational acceleration, sparking frustration and urgency within the scientific community to analyze this interstellar object before crucial observational windows close.

In a stunning revelation, astrophysicist Prof.

Avi Loeb has stated that NASA is keeping key observational data on the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS under wraps, despite the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter having captured close-approach images of the object on October 2, 2025.

According to Loeb, these images, which could provide unprecedented insight into 3I/ATLAS’ structure, trajectory, and unusual properties, have not yet been shared with the broader scientific community, raising concerns over transparency and the pace of analysis on this extraordinary visitor from beyond our Solar System.Prof.

Loeb, who has been at the forefront of studying interstellar objects since the discovery of ʻOumuamua in 2017, explained the importance of immediate access to the data: “The observations from MRO could be critical for understanding ATLAS’ behavior, particularly because it has displayed anomalies that challenge standard cometary models.

Without open access to these images, we’re effectively handicapping our ability to study an object that might redefine what we know about interstellar physics.”

The anomalies Loeb highlighted include an unexpected surge in brightness during ATLAS’ perihelion, which occurred on October 29, 2025, a spectral signature that appears bluer than the Sun, and the first signs of a subtle non-gravitational push affecting the object’s trajectory.

“These features are not what we would typically expect from a standard comet or asteroid,” Loeb said.

“Each anomaly carries profound implications for our understanding of the physical composition and potential origin of ATLAS.

The non-gravitational acceleration, in particular, hints at outgassing or other unknown processes that require close study.”

NASA, while confirming that 3I/ATLAS observations were captured by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, has not publicly released the images or detailed measurements.

This has prompted Loeb and colleagues to advocate for a clear distinction between what is verified by observation and what remains hypothesized.

“We need a scientific framework where each claim can be rigorously tested,” Loeb emphasized.

“Right now, speculation is filling gaps that could easily be resolved with data that already exists.

Releasing this information is critical for the scientific method.”

Experts tracking ATLAS note that the object has already attracted global attention for its unique trajectory, extreme perihelion behavior, and unusual brightness variations.

Dr.Emily Carver, a senior astrophysicist at the Solar Observatory Network, commented: “ATLAS continues to challenge expectations.

Its perihelion brightness spike is one of the most pronounced for any interstellar object observed to date, and its blue-leaning spectrum suggests material composition unlike typical Solar System comets.

If these Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter images confirm Loeb’s claims, they could offer transformative insights.”

The non-gravitational push observed in ATLAS’ trajectory is particularly intriguing.

Scientists hypothesize that it may be caused by outgassing from volatile compounds on the object’s surface, or even more exotic mechanisms linked to its interstellar origin.

“We’ve seen subtle acceleration in previous interstellar objects like ʻOumuamua, but ATLAS gives us the first real chance to capture high-resolution imagery and spectroscopic data near perihelion,” said Dr.Brian Cox, physicist and science communicator.

“Confirming the nature of this push is essential for understanding both the object and broader interstellar phenomena.”

The controversy over data access highlights broader tensions between institutional management of space missions and the expectations of the scientific community.

Loeb argues that the lack of public release of these images hinders collaborative analysis and slows progress on understanding one of the most remarkable interstellar visitors of recent years.

“Science thrives on transparency,” he said.

“Withholding data prevents independent verification and may delay critical discoveries about ATLAS’ structure, origin, and behavior.

The time to act is now.”

Observations of ATLAS in the coming weeks will focus on tracking its brightness, measuring outgassing activity, and refining its trajectory as it continues outbound from the Sun.

Re-acquisition by late November and close approach to Earth around December 19, 2025, will offer additional opportunities to study the object from multiple angles.

Scientists hope that releasing the MRO images and other data sets will allow the international community to analyze these anomalies comprehensively and refine models for interstellar object behavior.

For astronomers and skywatchers, ATLAS presents a rare opportunity to observe a true interstellar visitor in real time, while also providing insight into potential space weather interactions and solar system dynamics.

Its combination of unusual spectral properties, non-gravitational acceleration, and perihelion brightness surge makes it a priority target for both professional and amateur observers.

In summary, Prof.Avi Loeb’s claims that NASA is withholding Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter imagery of 3I/ATLAS have intensified scrutiny of the interstellar object, particularly as new anomalies—including unexpected perihelion brightening, a blue-shifted spectral signature, and subtle non-gravitational trajectory changes—challenge conventional models.

The scientific community is calling for immediate release of this data to enable rigorous analysis, advance understanding of interstellar objects, and resolve questions that could reshape our knowledge of objects entering the Solar System from the depths of space.