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Harvard Scientist Claims Rare Interstellar Object Might Be "Alien Technology"
Harvard Scientist Claims Rare Interstellar Object Might Be "Alien Technology"

NDTV

time16 hours ago

  • Science
  • NDTV

Harvard Scientist Claims Rare Interstellar Object Might Be "Alien Technology"

A Harvard Scientist claimed that 3I/ATLAS, a rare and mysterious visitor of our solar system, might be a piece of "alien technology". The comet is the third known object ever discovered coming from outside our solar system. Theoretical physicist Professor Avi Loeb told Newsweek that an alien civilisation could have sent the object. The object has been categorised as interstellar because of the hyperbolic shape of its orbital path. It does not follow a closed orbital path about the Sun, NASA explained. The space agency mentioned that the comet is simply passing through our solar system and will continue its journey into interstellar space. "The retrograde orbital plane of 3I/ATLAS around the Sun lies within 5 degrees of that of Earth... The likelihood of that coincidence out of all random orientations is 0.2 per cent," Loeb told the news outlet. 3I/ATLAS was discovered on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey telescope in Chile. Scientists have estimated that 3I/ATLAS is approximately 10-20 kilometres in diameter, making it the largest interstellar object detected so far. According to Loeb, the brightness of 3I/ATLAS suggests that the object is around 20 kilometres in diameter. He explained that it is "too large for an interstellar asteroid" and "might have targeted the inner Solar System as expected from alien technology". Loeb said that the object lacks features of the comets. "No spectral features of cometary gas are found in spectroscopic observations of 3I/ATLAS," he said. Meanwhile, other scientists are wary of Loeb's claims. Richard Moissl, Head of Planetary Defence at the European Space Agency, told Newsweek: "There have been no signs pointing to non-natural origins of 3I/ATLAS in the available observations." The comet will reach its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) on October 29, 2025, passing just inside Mars' orbit. The astronomers are studying 3I/ATLAS using ground- and space-based telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), to learn more about its composition, structure, and origin.

Rare interstellar object the size of Manhattan could be an alien probe: Harvard scientists
Rare interstellar object the size of Manhattan could be an alien probe: Harvard scientists

New York Post

timea day ago

  • Science
  • New York Post

Rare interstellar object the size of Manhattan could be an alien probe: Harvard scientists

It's probe-ably nothing. The newly discovered Manhattan-sized interstellar object zooming through our solar system has been identified as a comet — but two Harvard scientists argue there is reason to believe it's really an alien probe. NASA discovered 31/ATLAS on July 1, speeding through the inner solar system at 140,000 miles per hour according to observations from the ATLAS telescope in Chile — with experts clueless as to where it originated. Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb suggested in a new paper that the object — only the third interstellar object ever detected — could be an intelligently directed alien craft observing Earth with possibly hostile intentions. 3 The trajectory of 31/ATLAS, which passes right through the interior Solar System and will end up passing Jupiter, NSF NOIRLab 'The hypothesis in question is that [31/ATLAS] is a technological artifact, and furthermore has active intelligence. If this is the case, then two possibilities follow,' Dr. Loeb, Adam Drowl, and Adam Hibberd, wrote in a paper published on July 17. 'First, that its intentions are entirely benign and second, they are malign,' the experts opined, suggesting ETs. The paper presented several anomalous characteristics of the object, which could indicate that it is not a comet at all but instead a directed craft. One of the 'most puzzling' observations is that the object has 'significant 'non-gravitational' acceleration whilst having now 'cometary outgassing.' Loeb writes that 31/ATLAS 'approaches surprisingly close to Venus, Mars and Jupiter with a probability of <0.005%,' the paper claimed. 31/ATLAS's 'low retrograde tilt' would seemingly allow it to 'access our planet with relative impunity.' 3 31/ATLAS pictured by Gemini North. NSF NOIRLab The retrograde tilt 'means attempts by humanity to intercept it, or even more difficult, rendezvous with it, are extremely challenging,' while the route simultaneously gives 31/ATLAS easy access to 'certain key target planets,' the paper hypothesized. Loeb further suggests that the tilt and pathway would allow the intelligent life on the object to gather 'astrometric measurements, to determine the orbits and masses of the Solar System planets, allowing it to prepare an optimal approach strategy to the Solar System.' Another possible smoking gun is that 31/ATLAS will come closest to the Sun on October 29 — on which day the object will be completely blocked from Earth's view by the fiery ball. 3 31/ATLAS pictured by Gemini North. NSF NOIRLab The paper, presented in part as a 'pedagogical experiment,' embraces the 'Dark Forest' hypothesis regarding alien life — which assumes that other intelligent life would likely view Earthlings as a threat to be snuffed out. The Dark Forest hypothesis, coined in the 2008 novel 'The Dark Forest' by Cixin Liu, is a direct rebuttal to the Fermi Paradox, which suggests that contact with extraterrestrial intelligences is impossible.

Mystery object zooming towards Sun may be ‘hostile alien probe' – but experts brand Harvard prof's claims as ‘nonsense'
Mystery object zooming towards Sun may be ‘hostile alien probe' – but experts brand Harvard prof's claims as ‘nonsense'

The Irish Sun

time2 days ago

  • Science
  • The Irish Sun

Mystery object zooming towards Sun may be ‘hostile alien probe' – but experts brand Harvard prof's claims as ‘nonsense'

THE mysterious interstellar object blazing through our solar system could be a piece of "possibly hostile" alien technology, according to a controversial new study. The research, from a small group of scientists including a renowned alien-hunting Harvard University astronomer, argues that object 3I/ATLAS is actually an extraterrestrial probe in disguise. Advertisement 5 An artist's impression of interstellar object ʻOumuamua Credit: ESA 5 On 1 July, astronomers spotted a highly unusual object zooming towards our Sun at roughly 245,000 kilometres per hour - or 68km a second. With a "short tail" and a "fuzziness" around it, Judging by its bizarre orbit, experts determined that the super-fast space traveller had come from outside our solar system. That would make it the third interstellar object to pass Earth on record, following the rare visits of the famous 1I/ʻOumuamua asteroid in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Advertisement READ MORE ON SPACE But Harvard astrophysics professor Avi Loeb and his colleagues suggest it could be something more advanced than an interstellar rock. "In this paper we present additional analysis into the astrodynamics of 3I/ATLAS, and hypothesise that this object could be technological," they write in their The study, which has not yet been peer reviewed, added that the technology could even be "possibly hostile". Loeb and his colleagues say this would "be expected from the 'Dark Forest' resolution to the 'Fermi Paradox'" - a theory that alien civilisations exist throughout the universe but are both silent and hostile. Advertisement Most read in Science 'Dark Forest' theorists believe aliens remain hidden for fear of being destroyed by other intelligent lifeforms. It is one of many possible explanations of the Fermi Paradox , which aims to answer why humans have not yet found alien life. Why We Haven't Met Aliens Yet: 9 Theories Loeb is a controversial figure among astronomers and astrophysicists, having previously suggested that interstellar object 1I/ʻOumuamua may have also been an alien craft in 2017. Now 3I/ATLAS is showing signs it could be of alien origin as well, according to Loeb. Advertisement 5 The object's orbit, for example, brings it suspiciously close to Venus, Mars and Jupiter, Loeb writes in his study Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech The object's orbit, for example, brings it suspiciously close to Venus, Mars and Jupiter, Loeb writes in his study. Yet separate experts told They insist that the available evidence points toward the object being completely natural. Advertisement What's the difference between an asteroid, meteor and comet? Here's what you need to know, according to Nasa... Asteroid: An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter) but they can be found anywhere (including in a path that can impact Earth) Meteoroid: When two asteroids hit each other, the small chunks that break off are called meteoroids Meteor: If a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere, it begins to vapourise and then becomes a meteor. On Earth, it'll look like a streak of light in the sky, because the rock is burning up Meteorite: If a meteoroid doesn't vapourise completely and survives the trip through Earth's atmosphere, it can land on the Earth. At that point, it becomes a meteorite Comet: Like asteroids, a comet orbits the Sun. However rather than being made mostly of rock, a comet contains lots of ice and gas, which can result in amazing tails forming behind them (thanks to the ice and dust vaporizing) If it is natural like most researchers say, then 3I/ATLAS appears to be a comet older than our solar system - a whopping 7.6billion years old. The space rock is estimated to be up to 20km in size. Its current trajectory suggests it came from the Milky Way's 'thick disk' – a field of ancient stars. No comet from that region has ever graced Earth with a flyby, according to astronomers. Advertisement 5 'Dark Forest' theorists believe aliens remain hidden for fear of being destroyed by other intelligent lifeforms Credit: Alamy To figure out whether 3I/ATLAS really is an alien probe - similar to Earth's Voyager 1 and 2 - scientists will have to continue monitoring it. Radio waves coming from the object would be strong evidence that the object is of alien origin - assuming the probe was still in working order. Any signs of manoeuvring or propulsion would also be a good indicator that it's more than cosmic debris. Advertisement Plus, if it were to approach to Earth - a rare planet in the grand schemes of the universe - in a stable orbit. Our planet, with its water, healthy atmosphere, strong magnetic field and life, would be of great interest to other intelligent life. But for now, evidence mostly points towards 3I/ATLAS being an ancient, icy and speedy comet. 5 An artist's impression shows the first-known interstellar object to visit the solar system, 'Oumuamua, which was discovered on 19 October, 2017 Credit: Reuters Advertisement All you need to know about planets in our solar system Our solar system is made up of nine planets with Earth the third closest to the Sun. But each planet has its own quirks, so find out more about them all... How old is How many moons does What colour is How far away is How big is How many moons does Does How many moons does How big is How hot is the

Mystery object zooming towards Sun may be ‘hostile alien probe' – but experts brand Harvard prof's claims as ‘nonsense'
Mystery object zooming towards Sun may be ‘hostile alien probe' – but experts brand Harvard prof's claims as ‘nonsense'

Scottish Sun

time2 days ago

  • Science
  • Scottish Sun

Mystery object zooming towards Sun may be ‘hostile alien probe' – but experts brand Harvard prof's claims as ‘nonsense'

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE mysterious interstellar object blazing through our solar system could be a piece of "possibly hostile" alien technology, according to a controversial new study. The research, from a small group of scientists including a renowned alien-hunting Harvard University astronomer, argues that object 3I/ATLAS is actually an extraterrestrial probe in disguise. 5 An artist's impression of interstellar object ʻOumuamua Credit: ESA 5 On 1 July, astronomers spotted a highly unusual object zooming towards our Sun at roughly 245,000 kilometres per hour - or 68km a second. With a "short tail" and a "fuzziness" around it, astronomers declared it an icy comet - and the fastest rock our solar system has ever seen. Judging by its bizarre orbit, experts determined that the super-fast space traveller had come from outside our solar system. That would make it the third interstellar object to pass Earth on record, following the rare visits of the famous 1I/ʻOumuamua asteroid in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. But Harvard astrophysics professor Avi Loeb and his colleagues suggest it could be something more advanced than an interstellar rock. "In this paper we present additional analysis into the astrodynamics of 3I/ATLAS, and hypothesise that this object could be technological," they write in their paper. The study, which has not yet been peer reviewed, added that the technology could even be "possibly hostile". Loeb and his colleagues say this would "be expected from the 'Dark Forest' resolution to the 'Fermi Paradox'" - a theory that alien civilisations exist throughout the universe but are both silent and hostile. 'Dark Forest' theorists believe aliens remain hidden for fear of being destroyed by other intelligent lifeforms. It is one of many possible explanations of the Fermi Paradox, which aims to answer why humans have not yet found alien life. Why We Haven't Met Aliens Yet: 9 Theories Loeb is a controversial figure among astronomers and astrophysicists, having previously suggested that interstellar object 1I/ʻOumuamua may have also been an alien craft in 2017. Now 3I/ATLAS is showing signs it could be of alien origin as well, according to Loeb. 5 The object's orbit, for example, brings it suspiciously close to Venus, Mars and Jupiter, Loeb writes in his study Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech The object's orbit, for example, brings it suspiciously close to Venus, Mars and Jupiter, Loeb writes in his study. Yet separate experts told Live Science that the new claims are "nonsense" and "insulting." They insist that the available evidence points toward the object being completely natural. What's the difference between an asteroid, meteor and comet? Here's what you need to know, according to Nasa... Asteroid: An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter) but they can be found anywhere (including in a path that can impact Earth) An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter) but they can be found anywhere (including in a path that can impact Earth) Meteoroid: When two asteroids hit each other, the small chunks that break off are called meteoroids When two asteroids hit each other, the small chunks that break off are called meteoroids Meteor: If a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere, it begins to vapourise and then becomes a meteor. On Earth, it'll look like a streak of light in the sky, because the rock is burning up If a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere, it begins to vapourise and then becomes a meteor. On Earth, it'll look like a streak of light in the sky, because the rock is burning up Meteorite: If a meteoroid doesn't vapourise completely and survives the trip through Earth's atmosphere, it can land on the Earth. At that point, it becomes a meteorite If a meteoroid doesn't vapourise completely and survives the trip through Earth's atmosphere, it can land on the Earth. At that point, it becomes a meteorite Comet: Like asteroids, a comet orbits the Sun. However rather than being made mostly of rock, a comet contains lots of ice and gas, which can result in amazing tails forming behind them (thanks to the ice and dust vaporizing) If it is natural like most researchers say, then 3I/ATLAS appears to be a comet older than our solar system - a whopping 7.6billion years old. The space rock is estimated to be up to 20km in size. Its current trajectory suggests it came from the Milky Way's 'thick disk' – a field of ancient stars. No comet from that region has ever graced Earth with a flyby, according to astronomers. 5 'Dark Forest' theorists believe aliens remain hidden for fear of being destroyed by other intelligent lifeforms Credit: Alamy To figure out whether 3I/ATLAS really is an alien probe - similar to Earth's Voyager 1 and 2 - scientists will have to continue monitoring it. Radio waves coming from the object would be strong evidence that the object is of alien origin - assuming the probe was still in working order. Any signs of manoeuvring or propulsion would also be a good indicator that it's more than cosmic debris. Plus, if it were to approach to Earth - a rare planet in the grand schemes of the universe - in a stable orbit. Our planet, with its water, healthy atmosphere, strong magnetic field and life, would be of great interest to other intelligent life. But for now, evidence mostly points towards 3I/ATLAS being an ancient, icy and speedy comet. 5 An artist's impression shows the first-known interstellar object to visit the solar system, 'Oumuamua, which was discovered on 19 October, 2017 Credit: Reuters All you need to know about planets in our solar system Our solar system is made up of nine planets with Earth the third closest to the Sun. But each planet has its own quirks, so find out more about them all... How old is Earth? Plus other facts on our planet How many moons does Mercury have? What colour is Venus? How far away is Mars to Earth? And other facts on the red planet How big is Jupiter? How many moons does Saturn have? Does Uranus have rings? How many moons does Neptune have? How big is Pluto? How hot is the Sun?

Mystery object zooming towards Sun may be ‘hostile alien probe' – but experts brand Harvard prof's claims as ‘nonsense'
Mystery object zooming towards Sun may be ‘hostile alien probe' – but experts brand Harvard prof's claims as ‘nonsense'

The Sun

time2 days ago

  • Science
  • The Sun

Mystery object zooming towards Sun may be ‘hostile alien probe' – but experts brand Harvard prof's claims as ‘nonsense'

THE mysterious interstellar object blazing through our solar system could be a piece of "possibly hostile" alien technology, according to a controversial new study. The research, from a small group of scientists including a renowned alien-hunting Harvard University astronomer, argues that object 3I/ATLAS is actually an extraterrestrial probe in disguise. On 1 July, astronomers spotted a highly unusual object zooming towards our Sun at roughly 245,000 kilometres per hour - or 68km a second. With a "short tail" and a "fuzziness" around it, astronomers declared it an icy comet - and the fastest rock our solar system has ever seen. Judging by its bizarre orbit, experts determined that the super-fast space traveller had come from outside our solar system. That would make it the third interstellar object to pass Earth on record, following the rare visits of the famous 1I/ʻOumuamua asteroid in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. But Harvard astrophysics professor Avi Loeb and his colleagues suggest it could be something more advanced than an interstellar rock. "In this paper we present additional analysis into the astrodynamics of 3I/ATLAS, and hypothesise that this object could be technological," they write in their paper. The study, which has not yet been peer reviewed, added that the technology could even be "possibly hostile". Loeb and his colleagues say this would "be expected from the 'Dark Forest' resolution to the 'Fermi Paradox'" - a theory that alien civilisations exist throughout the universe but are both silent and hostile. 'Dark Forest' theorists believe aliens remain hidden for fear of being destroyed by other intelligent lifeforms. It is one of many possible explanations of the Fermi Paradox, which aims to answer why humans have not yet found alien life. Why We Haven't Met Aliens Yet: 9 Theories Loeb is a controversial figure among astronomers and astrophysicists, having previously suggested that interstellar object 1I/ʻOumuamua may have also been an alien craft in 2017. Now 3I/ATLAS is showing signs it could be of alien origin as well, according to Loeb. 5 The object's orbit, for example, brings it suspiciously close to Venus, Mars and Jupiter, Loeb writes in his study. Yet separate experts told Live Science that the new claims are "nonsense" and "insulting." They insist that the available evidence points toward the object being completely natural. What's the difference between an asteroid, meteor and comet? Here's what you need to know, according to Nasa... Asteroid: An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter) but they can be found anywhere (including in a path that can impact Earth) Meteoroid: When two asteroids hit each other, the small chunks that break off are called meteoroids Meteor: If a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere, it begins to vapourise and then becomes a meteor. On Earth, it'll look like a streak of light in the sky, because the rock is burning up Meteorite: If a meteoroid doesn't vapourise completely and survives the trip through Earth's atmosphere, it can land on the Earth. At that point, it becomes a meteorite Comet: Like asteroids, a comet orbits the Sun. However rather than being made mostly of rock, a comet contains lots of ice and gas, which can result in amazing tails forming behind them (thanks to the ice and dust vaporizing) If it is natural like most researchers say, then 3I/ATLAS appears to be a comet older than our solar system - a whopping 7.6billion years old. The space rock is estimated to be up to 20km in size. Its current trajectory suggests it came from the Milky Way's 'thick disk' – a field of ancient stars. No comet from that region has ever graced Earth with a flyby, according to astronomers. 5 To figure out whether 3I/ATLAS really is an alien probe - similar to Earth's Voyager 1 and 2 - scientists will have to continue monitoring it. Radio waves coming from the object would be strong evidence that the object is of alien origin - assuming the probe was still in working order. Any signs of manoeuvring or propulsion would also be a good indicator that it's more than cosmic debris. If it were to approach to Earth, a rare type of world as planets come, in a stable orbit - that too might suggest it is an otherworldly probe. Our planet, with its water, healthy atmosphere, strong magnetic field and life, would be of great interest to other intelligent forms of life. But for now, evidence mostly points towards 3I/ATLAS being an ancient, icy and speedy comet. 5

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