A scientist at Harvard University says has suggested that the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, currently traveling towards Earth, could potentially be an alien spacecraft. This theory, proposed by Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, suggests the object’s trajectory and brightness could indicate it’s not a natural comet, but rather an artificial construct.
While other scientists, like Samantha Lawler, dispute this, pointing to evidence of it being a natural interstellar comet. The object is expected to be closest to Earth in late November or early December 2025.
-
The Object:
3I/ATLAS is the third known interstellar object to pass through our solar system.
-
Loeb’s Theory:
Loeb suggests that 3I/ATLAS’s retrograde orbit (orbiting in the opposite direction to most objects in our solar system), unusual brightness, and trajectory through the inner solar system raise the possibility it’s not a natural object but rather a piece of alien technology.
-
Potential Threat:
Loeb and others suggest that if 3I/ATLAS is an alien craft, its trajectory could be intentional to avoid detection and observation by Earth-based telescopes. They further suggest that its arrival in late November or early December could coincide with a potential attack.
-
Counterarguments:
Astronomer Samantha Lawler, among others, disagrees, stating that all evidence points to 3I/ATLAS being a natural comet. They emphasize that billions of comets have been ejected from our solar system, and this object is likely one of them.
-
Alternative Explanations:
Even Loeb acknowledges that the most likely scenario is that 3I/ATLAS is a natural interstellar object, likely a comet.
Scientist Thinks an Alien Craft Could Be Headed Towards Earth
Gary H
Loeb is probably an atheist
Charles R
We have sent out craft, very small in comparison back in the 1970s, that will someday, many thousands or millions of years from now, have a chance of entering another solar system, in our galaxy. Perhaps come later this year, we will have a better understanding.