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India.com
18 hours ago
- Science
- India.com
Alien Spacecraft Or Cosmic Visitor? 24 KM Long Mysterious Object 3I/ATLAS Speeds Toward Earth At 135,000 MPH
Something strange is racing toward us from the vast darkness beyond our solar system, and it's moving at a jaw-dropping speed of 135,000 miles per hour. Discovered on July 1, the object, now named 3I/ATLAS, has already sparked an intense debate among scientists: Is it just a comet, or could it be an alien spacecraft? NASA and researchers across the globe are tracking this high-speed interstellar traveler, which is expected to swing by the inner solar system later this year. But not everyone agrees on what it actually is, or where it really came from. What Exactly Is 3I/ATLAS? Spotted zooming through the outer solar system earlier this month, 3I/ATLAS is only the third known interstellar object to ever enter our cosmic neighborhood, after 1I/ʻOumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019). What makes it unique? 1. It's traveling on a highly elliptical orbit, indicating it came from beyond the gravitational grip of our sun. 2. At its closest approach on October 30, it will pass 130 million miles from the sun and 150 million miles from Earth. So no, it's not a threat. But its speed, trajectory, and peculiar behavior have caught the attention of astronomers and cosmic sleuths alike. Harvard Professor Thinks It Might Not Be Natural Enter Professor Avi Loeb, a Harvard physicist and outspoken advocate of not ruling out alien tech too quickly. According to Loeb, 3I/ATLAS might not be a regular comet at all, but a possible spacecraft sent by an advanced extraterrestrial civilization. Loeb argues that if it's not made of ice (as comets are), it would be nearly impossible for it to make its current solar-bound journey naturally. He draws comparisons to Arthur C Clarke's sci-fi classic 'Rendezvous with Rama,' where a mysterious object entering the solar system is revealed to be a massive alien ship. 'It could be following a programmed path,' Loeb suggested, challenging the notion that every fast-moving object in space is just a rock or a frozen snowball. NASA and ESA: It's Probably a Giant Comet Not everyone's buying the alien angle. Both NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) suggest 3I/ATLAS is most likely an interstellar comet. Here's their reasoning: 1. As it gets closer to the sun, heat will cause any ice on it to vaporise, creating a glowing tail of dust and gas. 2. This evaporation reflects sunlight, making the object appear bright and bigger than it actually is. Still, there's a twist: scientists can't measure its true size directly because it's too far away. Based on the light it reflects, they estimate it could be 20 to 24 kilometers long, much larger than ʻOumuamua, which was only about 100 meters. Experts Still Unsure What We're Dealing With While the comet theory seems more grounded, Loeb and others remain cautious. The object's size, shape, and seemingly deliberate movement are unusual—especially for something not bound by gravity within our solar system. Loeb emphasised that objects this large rarely travel this close to the sun from beyond the Milky Way. That alone, he says, is worth more scrutiny. So, is 3I/ATLAS just a massive comet playing cosmic tourist, or a messenger from civilizations unknown? The world will be watching as it makes its historic flyby in October. What's Next? Scientists across the globe will continue to observe 3I/ATLAS over the coming months as it nears its closest point to the sun. High-powered telescopes will track its brightness, trajectory, and tail formation, if any. Whether it turns out to be a natural wonder or something we've never seen before, one thing's clear: we're just beginning to understand what's out there. FAQs 1. Is 3I/ATLAS dangerous to Earth? No. It will stay 150 million miles away, far beyond any threat range. 2. Is 3I/ATLAS an alien spaceship? Some scientists like Avi Loeb think it could be, but there's no concrete proof yet. 3. How fast is it moving? It's traveling at around 135,000 mph, faster than most natural solar system objects. 4. When will it reach its closest point? October 30, 2025, near the sun. 5. How big is it? Estimated to be 20–24 km long, much larger than previous interstellar objects like ʻOumuamua.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Economic Times
3I/ATLAS: Alien spacecraft speeds toward Earth at 135,000 mph, claims scientist. See if its a threat
Strange Object Enters Solar System Is It An Alien Spacecraft? Live Events NASA and ESA Focus on Comet Theory Experts Still Divided on True Nature FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel An object from outside the solar system , known as 3I/ATLAS , is moving toward Earth's vicinity at an estimated 135,000 miles per hour. First spotted on July 1, this unusual object has drawn interest from NASA and researchers globally. While some experts believe it's a comet, others suggest it could be of alien scientists discovered the object earlier this month. It has been named 3I/ATLAS. Its shape, speed and movement caused confusion among experts. The object is moving on a highly elliptical path, suggesting it came from outside our solar is the third time such an interstellar object has been observed entering our solar system. The object's high speed and foreign origin continue to raise questions. NASA confirmed it will reach its closest point to the sun on October 30. Despite its rapid approach, it poses no threat to Earth. It will be 130 million miles from the sun and 150 million miles from Earth at its closest Avi Loeb, a Harvard University physicist and cosmologist, offered a different perspective. He suggested that 3I/ATLAS might not be a natural object. He proposed it could be a spacecraft sent by an advanced civilization. Loeb said the object might be following a set path toward the inner solar system by to him, if the object is not a comet, it would be difficult for it to naturally reach the sun. He compared the situation to Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction novel Rendezvous with Rama, where a similar unknown object turns out to be an alien and the European Space Agency offered a simpler theory. They believe the object is an interstellar comet . As it approaches the sun, the heat would cause ice and dust to evaporate. This process would reflect sunlight, making it appear this explanation, scientists cannot determine its actual size due to its distance. Instead, they use reflected light to estimate its size. Estimates suggest it is around 20 to 24 kilometers long. This makes it much larger than previous interstellar objects like 'Oumuamua, which was only about 100 meters NASA leans toward the comet theory, the object's size and directed movement still raise questions. Loeb expressed surprise that such a large object would be heading directly toward the inner solar system. He noted it is rare to see an object this large from outside the solar true nature of 3I/ATLAS remains unknown. Scientists are continuing to study it as it moves closer to the sun. While many accept the comet theory, Loeb believes the unusual characteristics are worth deeper investigation.3I/ATLAS is an interstellar object heading toward the inner solar system. It is being studied due to its high speed, size, and possible alien NASA confirms that 3I/ATLAS will pass 150 million miles away from Earth and poses no danger.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
3I/ATLAS: Alien spacecraft speeds toward Earth at 135,000 mph, claims scientist. See if its a threat
An object from outside the solar system , known as 3I/ATLAS , is moving toward Earth's vicinity at an estimated 135,000 miles per hour. First spotted on July 1, this unusual object has drawn interest from NASA and researchers globally. While some experts believe it's a comet, others suggest it could be of alien origin. Strange Object Enters Solar System NASA scientists discovered the object earlier this month. It has been named 3I/ATLAS. Its shape, speed and movement caused confusion among experts. The object is moving on a highly elliptical path, suggesting it came from outside our solar system. This is the third time such an interstellar object has been observed entering our solar system. The object's high speed and foreign origin continue to raise questions. NASA confirmed it will reach its closest point to the sun on October 30. Despite its rapid approach, it poses no threat to Earth. It will be 130 million miles from the sun and 150 million miles from Earth at its closest approach. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Fungo nas unhas: um truque simples reduz facilmente Tratamento para Fungo Undo Also Read: Bill Gates Net Worth Fall: How did Microsoft co-founder lost 51 billion dollars? Here's his new global billionaire ranking and unique pledge Is It An Alien Spacecraft? Professor Avi Loeb, a Harvard University physicist and cosmologist, offered a different perspective. He suggested that 3I/ATLAS might not be a natural object. He proposed it could be a spacecraft sent by an advanced civilization. Loeb said the object might be following a set path toward the inner solar system by design. Live Events According to him, if the object is not a comet, it would be difficult for it to naturally reach the sun. He compared the situation to Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction novel Rendezvous with Rama, where a similar unknown object turns out to be an alien spacecraft. NASA and ESA Focus on Comet Theory NASA and the European Space Agency offered a simpler theory. They believe the object is an interstellar comet . As it approaches the sun, the heat would cause ice and dust to evaporate. This process would reflect sunlight, making it appear larger. Despite this explanation, scientists cannot determine its actual size due to its distance. Instead, they use reflected light to estimate its size. Estimates suggest it is around 20 to 24 kilometers long. This makes it much larger than previous interstellar objects like 'Oumuamua, which was only about 100 meters long. Also Read: New Movie Releases 2025: Here's complete list of upcoming films in cinemas and streaming platforms Experts Still Divided on True Nature Although NASA leans toward the comet theory, the object's size and directed movement still raise questions. Loeb expressed surprise that such a large object would be heading directly toward the inner solar system. He noted it is rare to see an object this large from outside the solar system. The true nature of 3I/ATLAS remains unknown. Scientists are continuing to study it as it moves closer to the sun. While many accept the comet theory, Loeb believes the unusual characteristics are worth deeper investigation. FAQs What is 3I/ATLAS and why is it important? 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar object heading toward the inner solar system. It is being studied due to its high speed, size, and possible alien origin. Is 3I/ATLAS a threat to Earth? No. NASA confirms that 3I/ATLAS will pass 150 million miles away from Earth and poses no danger.
