A Murmuration-Based Interpretation of 3I/ATLAS: Evidence for a Recurrent Swarm-Dynamics Architecture in Interstellar Objects
Abstract
3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar object, exhibits a combination of comet‑like emissions and dynamical anomalies that challenge standard natural‑body interpretations. This paper extends the murmuration model previously applied to 1I/‘Oumuamua, evaluating whether a coordinated swarm of nano‑scale units can reproduce the observed morphology, symmetry, rotation, and non‑gravitational acceleration of 3I/ATLAS. Several features—including smooth acceleration, threefold jet symmetry, rotation‑axis alignment with the Sun, and unusual refractory dust—are naturally accommodated by a swarm‑dynamics architecture. The murmuration framework thus provides a unified explanation for two interstellar objects with distinct appearances, suggesting that emergent, non‑rigid architectures may represent a broader class of interstellar phenomena.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Astro and Planetary Science
Stellar
planetary
and galactic studies
Space Satellite Systems and Control
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 27 January 2026
- Language
- EN