Electromagnetic Induction as a Unified Driver for Non-Gravitational Accelerations in Interstellar Objects: The Case of 3I/Atlas

Abstract

Context: The identification of non-gravitational accelerations (NGAs) in interstellar objects (ISOs), such as 1I/'Oumuamua and 3I/Atlas, challenges standard cometary sublimation models. 3I/Atlas exhibits a strong transverse NGA coupled with an anomalous tri-radial jet topology, whereas 1I/'Oumuamua displayed an NGA without detectable volatile outgassing. Aims: This paper proposes the Passive Inductive Body (PIB) model, postulating that these ISOs are macroscopic cellular metallic structures (relics of differentiated planetary cores), to determine whether interactions with the solar wind can resolve these kinematic anomalies. Methods: Vector analysis and classical electrodynamics are applied to model the interaction between the highly conductive matrix of the objects and the magnetized solar wind plasma, calculating the resulting electrodynamic drag (Lorentz force), localized skin effect induction, and internal thermal stress. Results: For 3I/Atlas at 1.4 au, localized induction concentrates approximately 162 MW of power as Joule heating within a 0.20 cm outer skin layer. The resulting thermal stress (32.4 MPa) exceeds the tensile strength of amorphous interstellar ice, explaining the 120-degree equatorial fracture geometry without reactive outgassing. For 1I/'Oumuamua at 0.25 au, the continuous kinematics are explained by the extreme cryogenic conductivity of the iron-nickel matrix, maximizing the Lorentz force within the steady-state Parker field. Conclusions: The PIB model successfully unifies the geophysics of both active and inactive differentiated ISOs discovered to date under a single electrodynamic equation, providing a robust, falsifiable alternative to standard outgassing models. Update in Version 8: Full LaTeX typesetting and structural formatting. Manuscript submitted for publication.