Two months ago we predicted NASA would blind TESS during 3I/ATLAS’s opposition window. NASA just confirmed it. We verified the raw data independently. Here’s the full timeline.

Examining the Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS: A Detailed Chronology of Recent Discoveries and Institutional Responses

Over the past two months, careful analysis and independent verification have shed light on the intriguing journey of the third interstellar object, 3I/ATLAS. Currently en route for a close encounter with Jupiter’s Hill Sphere on March 16, this celestial visitor has prompted questions about observational protocols and data handling practices by prominent space agencies. In this article, we present a comprehensive timeline that underscores key events, official confirmations, and our ongoing efforts to interpret the available data.

Background and Initial Findings

Since December 18, our team has been actively engaged in forensic analysis of 3I/ATLAS, focusing on its unusual characteristics and the information revealed through astronomical observations. Our efforts aimed to understand the object’s nature, origin, and the handling of observational data during critical periods of its approach.

Key Events and Observations

December 18, 2023: Early Threat Assessment
We published an in-depth assessment highlighting 18 anomalies in the observational data, anomalies that appeared inconsistent with natural celestial phenomena. Our analysis suggested that organizations would likely attempt to mask these irregularities through background subtraction techniques to obscure the true nature of the object.

January 6, 2024: Classification by National Security Agencies
On this date, we documented that the CIA issued a Glomar response to inquiries regarding 3I/ATLAS, indicating a classification of the object as a matter of national security. This response suggested heightened sensitivity surrounding the object’s true nature.

January 30, 2024: TESS Observation Blackout
Our team observed and documented a blackout period during the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) observations coinciding with the object’s opposition approach window. We interpreted this blackout as a potential containment protocol designed to withhold certain data from public access.

February 3, 2024: Identification of the Opposition Surge
We identified an opposition surge—a brightness increase indicative of a solid or metallic surface rather than cometary dust—as the likely reason for the blackout. This signature suggested physical characteristics inconsistent with typical comet behavior.

February 12, 2024: Official NASA Confirmation
NASA released a paper that directly confirmed the blackout dates, describing the process as “iterative background subtraction.” This official statement aligned precisely with our prior predictions and observations.

February 14, 2024: Database and Publication Practices
We noted silent edits within NASA’s fireball database and