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

Abstract

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. This paper proposes the Passive Inductive Body (PIB) model, postulating that these ISOs are macroscopic cellular metallic structures (relics of differentiated planetary cores). Vector analysis demonstrates that the interaction with the magnetized solar wind plasma generates a direct electrodynamic drag (Lorentz force) sufficient to drive NGAs independently of outgassing. For 3I/Atlas at 1.4 au, localized induction via the skin effect concentrates a power of approximately 162 MW 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. 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. The PIB model unifies the kinematics of both active and inactive ISOs under a single electrodynamic equation.