Type keyword(s) to search

Features

NASA’s alleged 3I/Atlas leak and Japan’s mesmerizing sky photo captivate millions online

A supposed NASA image leak and a breathtaking Japanese sky photo are taking the internet by storm, drawing endless reactions
posted by Soniya
Wednesday 11/5/2025 at 3:53AM EST
  • Dust-covered 3I/Atlas structure resembling ‘Oumuamua/ Source: X / @NASA (Unconfirmed image circulating online)
    Dust-covered 3I/Atlas structure resembling ‘Oumuamua/ Source: X / @NASA (Unconfirmed image circulating online)

    ​A photo claiming to be a NASA leak of the interstellar object 3I/Atlas has gone viral on social media. Around the same time, a beautiful sky photo from Japan also caught everyone’s attention. Both pictures have become popular online, sparking curiosity and conversation among space fans and regular viewers alike.

    The alleged NASA leak

    A photo purported to be of 3I/Atlas hit the internet early this week, with many users claiming it originated from NASA’s internal systems and showed a close-up of the mysterious space object in question.

    3I/Atlas appears, in the picture, to be a glowing structure with a bluish-green light around it. Some online users described the shape of it as unusual and suggested it could be something artificial.

    However, NASA has not confirmed that this image is real, and the agency has not made any official statement about any leak. Scientists have also warned people against believing unverified posts shared on the internet.

    Experts say the image could have easily been a digitally edited photo or even real telescope data with added filters to make it look more dramatic.

    What we know about 3I/Atlas

    3I/Atlas is an interstellar object, which means it came from outside our solar system. It is the third known object of its kind after ‘Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019).

    It is being watched closely by astronomers as this reaches our solar system. According to scientists, based on its movements, 3I/Atlas would pass by once and will not return.

    There is no evidence that it is artificial or is connected with any extra-terrestrial life. The most common belief concerning the composition of comets among scientists is that they are composed of rock, ice, and dust.

    Japan’s viral sky photo

    While the NASA leak was trending, another photo went viral for a very different reason. A Japanese photographer captured a stunning view of the night sky.

    The photo showed the Milky Way and what looked like faint Aurora lights glowing above a mountain. The image was taken on a clear night, and people online called it one of the most peaceful and beautiful space photos of the year.

    Many users shared the picture, saying it reminded them of how amazing the sky can look without any filters or editing.

    How social media responded

    Both images — the NASA “leak” and the Japanese sky photo — quickly spread online. Hashtags like #3IAtlas, #NASAleak, and #JapanSkyPhoto started trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit.

    Some people believed the NASA photo was real and hinted at secret discoveries. Others said it was probably fake but still interesting.

    Scientists later explained that no official NASA data was leaked, and that many space images shared online are often altered or misunderstood.

    What it shows about space curiosity

    The two pictures have nothing to do with each other, but they both went viral on social media. They illustrate that space fascinates people to this day, and anything unusual catches the public's eye.

    NASA hasn't given any new update about 3I/Atlas yet, but scientists are still studying it from different observatories in the world.
     

    ​

    TOPICS: 3I/ATLAS, 1I/ʻOumuamua and 3I/ATLAS, 3I/Atlas Alien spaceship, NASA


More 3I/ATLAS on Primetimer: