Latest news with #A11pl3Z
News18
2 days ago
- Science
- News18
Is Earth In Danger? Mystery Object May Be ‘Hostile' Alien Spacecraft Approaching Our Planet
The mystery object is on a stealth path through the inner Solar System, and Earth's fastest rockets aren't nearly quick enough to intercept it A strange object the size of a small city is hurtling through our Solar System, and a team of scientists think it might not be just a comet. In fact, they're toying with a far more dramatic possibility: that it could be alien technology, potentially even 'hostile", hiding behind the Sun. The object, officially named 3I/ATLAS (and earlier known as A11pl3Z), was first spotted on July 1 by a telescope in Chile. Within 24 hours, scientists confirmed it had come from outside our Solar System, making it just the third known interstellar visitor ever recorded, according to Live Science. It's not small either. Estimates say it measures 10 to 20 kilometres wide, making it potentially larger in area than Manhattan, and it's tearing through space at over 130,000 mph (60 km per second). Over the next few months, it's expected to swing past Jupiter, Mars and Venus, before disappearing behind the Sun in late November, out of sight from Earth. Is It Just A Rock Or Something More? A new, non-peer-reviewed scientific paper published on July 16 has turned heads for suggesting that this might not be a comet at all, but an extraterrestrial spacecraft on a stealth mission. The study was written by Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, known for his bold claims about alien life, along with researchers Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London. They're not claiming this is definitely alien, but they are proposing a testable theory. In their words, it's 'an interesting exercise in its own right," worth exploring 'irrespective of its likely validity." Still, they warn that if the theory does hold true, the consequences could be serious, even requiring 'defensive measures," though they admit those might not be effective. A Suspicious Flight Path? So why the suspicion? Loeb and his co-authors point to the object's trajectory, which is oddly precise. It's moving faster than the last interstellar visitor, ʻOumuamua', and it entered the Solar System from a different angle, which, they suggest, could offer 'various benefits to an extraterrestrial intelligence." Even more puzzling, the object's orbital path is aligned with Earth's within just 5 degrees. Loeb told Newsweek that the odds of this happening randomly are only 0.2 per cent. In his view, this could mean the object is deliberately targeting the inner Solar System, something one might expect from alien tech. Then there's the route itself. 3I/ATLAS is set to make close passes by three major planets — Venus, Mars and Jupiter — which scientists say is highly improbable without calculated guidance. According to the Mirror UK, the chances of such a path occurring by chance are less than 0.005 per cent. The timing also raises eyebrows. In late November, the object will pass behind the Sun, making it invisible to Earth-based telescopes. Loeb speculates this might not be a coincidence. 'This could be intentional to avoid detailed observations from Earth-based telescopes when the object is brightest or when gadgets are sent to Earth from that hidden vantage point," he wrote in a blog post. They even suggest the planetary flybys could allow for 'gadgets" to be planted, spy tech dropped off on Mars, Venus or Jupiter en route. Unfortunately, even if Earth wanted to investigate, we simply can't catch up. Loeb notes that our fastest rockets can only reach a third of 3I/ATLAS's speed, making a rendezvous impossible with current technology. The theory has sparked curiosity online, but not everyone is convinced. Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at Canada's University of Regina, says the evidence points clearly to a natural comet, one that was simply ejected from another solar system, as billions of others likely have been. Others were more critical. Chris Lintott from the University of Oxford, who helped trace the object's galactic origin, dismissed the alien theory outright, calling it 'nonsense on stilts" and saying it undermines the real science being done by teams worldwide. Even Loeb concedes the most probable explanation is that 3I/ATLAS is just another icy interstellar wanderer. 'By far, the most likely outcome will be that 3I/ATLAS is a completely natural interstellar object, probably a comet," he said. This Isn't Loeb's First Rodeo This isn't the first time Loeb has floated the idea of alien probes in our cosmic neighbourhood. Back in 2022, he revived global buzz around ʻOumuamua', the cigar-shaped interstellar object spotted in 2017. He suggested it could be a 'lightsail" — a spacecraft powered by light particles — or even a deliberately sent probe from an alien civilisation. 'Oumuamua may be a fully operational probe sent intentionally to Earth vicinity by an alien civilisation," he wrote at the time. So What Now? For now, astronomers across the world are closely tracking 3I/ATLAS as it continues its journey toward the Sun. Whether it turns out to be a piece of cosmic spyware or just an unusually fast space rock, it has already reignited one of humanity's oldest questions — are we really alone out here? About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : alien invasion comet spacecraft view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 28, 2025, 14:01 IST News world Is Earth In Danger? Mystery Object May Be 'Hostile' Alien Spacecraft Approaching Our Planet Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Science
- Daily Record
Manhattan-sized object spotted in space 'could be alien spacecraft heading to attack Earth'
A draft scientific paper has proposed that the object, 3I/ATLAS, might be alien technology and could make a surprise attack on our planet An object the size of Manhattan could potentially be a hostile alien spacecraft set to attack Earth in November, according to a worrying recent study. Earlier this month, experts confirmed the sighting of a rare interstellar visitor, only the third ever detected, speeding through our Solar System at an incredible pace. The comet is known as 3I/ATLAS, and was formerly referred to as A11pl3Z. A draft scientific paper published on Tuesday suggests that the object might actually be extraterrestrial technology planning a surprise attack on our planet. The researchers propose that the object's orbit is such that it would allow an intelligent alien craft to approach Earth undetected. The report alleges that when it reaches its closest point to the Sun in late November, the object will be concealed from Earth's view, enabling it to execute a covert high-speed manoeuvre to decelerate and remain in the Solar System, secretly preparing for an attack. Scientists note that 3I/ATLAS follows an unusual trajectory that brings it very close to planets like Venus, Mars, and Jupiter, an event highly unlikely to occur by chance, with less than a 0.005 per cent probability, reports the Mirror. One of the authors of the paper, which has yet to undergo peer review, is Avi Loeb, a renowned Harvard astrophysicist recognised for his controversial research and outspoken views on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. He gained widespread attention for suggesting that the 2017 interstellar object 'Oumuamua might be an artificial probe created by an alien civilisation, based on its unusual acceleration and shape His co-authors are Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London. The authors emphasise that their paper is a theoretical exercise rather than a reflection of their personal beliefs. They state: "This paper is contingent on a remarkable but, as we shall show, testable hypothesis, to which the authors do not necessarily ascribe, yet is certainly worthy of an analysis and a report." However, the authors warn: "The consequences, should the hypothesis turn out to be correct, could potentially be dire for humanity, and would possibly require defensive measures to be undertaken (though these might prove futile)." The study further adds: "The hypothesis is an interesting exercise in its own right, and is fun to pursue, irrespective of its likely validity." The celestial body, now officially named 3I/ATLAS (), is thought to originate from a distant star system and is hurtling through space at speeds exceeding 60 kilometres per second. The object was initially detected on July 1 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey telescope located in Río Hurtado, Chile. It's estimated that 3I/ATLAS measures between 10 and 20 kilometres across, although it could appear smaller if it's largely made up of reflective ice. Last month, a Scottish teenager was left stunned after spotting a 'UFO' in the skies over Midlothian. Kyle Jackson, 16, and his two pals saw the mysterious floating object overhead at around 11.10pm on Friday, June 6. The trio were walking near Newbattle High School in Easthouses, just outside Edinburgh, when they looked up and were left gobsmacked by what they saw. Kyle said the round and "completely silent" black object appeared to be moving below the clouds at speeds faster than a plane. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mirror
Mystery object spotted in space 'may be alien spacecraft coming to attack Earth'
A new research paper, written by a prominent Harvard astrophysicist, has claimed a mystery object in our Solar System could be an alien spacecraft which may attack Earth in just months A mysterious object the size of Manhattan could be a hostile alien spacecraft and may attack Earth in November, according to a new study. Earlier this month, experts confirmed the discovery of a rare interstellar visitor, the third ever detected, hurtling through our Solar System at extraordinary speed. A draft scientific paper, which was published on Tuesday, has proposed that the object, 3I/ATLAS, might be alien technology and could make a surprise attack on our planet. The researchers suggest the object's orbit is such that it would make it easier for an intelligent alien craft to approach Earth without being noticed. The report claims that when it gets closest to the Sun in late November, the object will be hidden from Earth's view, allowing it to carry out a secret high-speed manoeuvre to slow down and stay in the Solar System to secretly prepare for an attack. Scientists add that 3I/ATLAS has an unusual path that comes very close to planets like Venus, Mars and Jupiter, something very unlikely to happen by chance, with less than 0.005% probability. One of the authors of the paper, which is not yet peer-reviewed, is Avi Loeb, a prominent Harvard astrophysicist known for his provocative research and outspoken views on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. He gained widespread attention for suggesting the 2017 interstellar object ʻOumuamua might be an artificial probe created by an alien civilisation, based on its unusual acceleration and shape. His co-authors are Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London. The authors make it clear that their paper is purely from a hypothetical point of view and not necessarily something they believe to be true. They write: "This paper is contingent on a remarkable but, as we shall show, testable hypothesis, to which the authors do not necessarily ascribe, yet is certainly worthy of an analysis and a report." However, they warn in the study: "The consequences, should the hypothesis turn out to be correct, could potentially be dire for humanity, and would possibly require defensive measures to be undertaken (though these might prove futile)." The study goes on to say: "The hypothesis is an interesting exercise in its own right, and is fun to pursue, irrespective of its likely validity." The object, now officially designated 3I/ATLAS (previously known as A11pl3Z), is believed to have come from a distant star system and is travelling at over 60 kilometres per second. 3I/ATLAS was first spotted on July 1 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey telescope at Río Hurtado, Chile. Estimates suggest it could be between 10 and 20 kilometres wide, though it may be smaller if composed mostly of reflective ice.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA confirms 3I/ATLAS as third interstellar object passing through our solar system
A mysterious object speeding through our solar system has officially been confirmed by NASA as an interstellar visitor — only the third of its kind ever recorded. The object, initially labelled A11pl3Z, has now been renamed 3I/ATLAS , with '3I' denoting its status as the third interstellar object detected. The discovery was made in late June 2025 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), a NASA-funded network of telescopes scanning the skies from Hawaii, Chile, and South Africa. According to NASA's ATLAS project , the object was captured in data collected between June 25 and 29, with earlier sightings traced back to June 14. On July 1, both NASA and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) confirmed its interstellar status based on its speed, orbit, and trajectory—characteristics that make it distinctly not bound by the Sun's gravity. Meet third known interstellar visitor after ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [화제] 갱년기 불면증으로 고생하셨던 분들 '이것' 먹고 푹 주무세요! 리피어라 더 알아보기 Undo 3I/ATLAS is hurtling toward the Sun at an incredible speed of 152,000 miles per hour (245,000 km/h)—far faster than most objects orbiting within our solar system, according to reports. What makes this object truly remarkable, however, is its hyperbolic trajectory. Unlike typical comets or asteroids that follow elliptical paths around the Sun, a hyperbolic orbit means 3I/ATLAS isn't gravitationally bound to our star. Instead, it's passing through from deep space—entering the solar system once, then heading back out forever. In other words, this rare visitor is just making a brief stop in our cosmic neighbourhood before continuing its journey across the galaxy. According to planetary scientist Sarah Greenstreet of the University of Washington, 'Its orbit is too steep, and its speed is too great for it to be a solar system object' Only two other interstellar objects have ever been confirmed: ʻOumuamua in 2017—a cigar- or pancake-shaped object that left astronomers baffled. 2I/Borisov in 2019—a comet with more conventional behaviour. With just three known samples, studying 3I/ATLAS gives researchers an unprecedented chance to better understand the nature of objects from beyond our solar system. Astronomers race to study 3I/ATLAS before it leaves forever Astronomers are now racing to collect data on the object using a global network of ground- and space-based telescopes. 3I/ATLAS is thought to have a coma—the glowing halo of gas typical of comets—indicating that it contains volatile ices now vaporising as it nears the Sun. A recent observation suggests the object may appear reddish, hinting at its ancient composition—likely formed from primordial matter in another star system billions of years ago. Estimates suggest the object could be anywhere from 6 to 15 miles long, significantly larger than its predecessors. Its closest approach will bring it within 18 million miles of Mars in early October 2025. Several orbiters around the Red Planet may get the chance to image the object up close. As 3I/ATLAS speeds toward the inner solar system, scientists expect its cometary tail to grow, offering stunning visuals and deeper insight into its composition. 'We'll have a few more months before it heads back out,' said Aster Taylor, an astrophysicist at the University of Michigan. 'This is a rare chance to study a piece of another planetary system—up close and in real-time,' added Greenstreet. Also Read: The 10 most powerful telescopes on Earth and in space transforming modern astronomy
National Geographic
10-07-2025
- Science
- National Geographic
Our solar system has a new mysterious visitor—what is it?
Just the third-ever confirmed interstellar object has been detected in our solar system. Here's what we know. (Spoiler: It's not aliens.) The interstellar comet, originally called A11pl3Z and now known as 3I/Atlas, was first reported by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (Atlas) survey telescope at El Sauce Observatory in Río Hurtado, Chile. Photograph by Matt Dieterich On July 1, scientists operating a planetary defense facility saw something glimmering in the shadow of Jupiter, about 420 million miles from Earth. It certainly wasn't a near-Earth asteroid, nor was it a regular comet. Within a matter of hours, it became clear that this voyager wasn't even from our solar system: Its orbit was too steep, its speed was too great. Astronomers quickly concluded that this was an interstellar object—a sojourner from another star. These entities are, for the moment, vanishingly rare. This interstellar object is just the third ever confirmed. Serendipitously, scientists caught as it was making its way into the solar system, which means they will get to study it for several months and uncover its many secrets. 'Astronomers around the world will be pointing their telescopes, large and small, at this object… providing us with clues about its home planetary system,' says Sarah Greenstreet, an astronomer at the University of Washington. Here's everything we know so far about our solar system's latest interstellar visitor—and how scientists plan on resolving its mysteries in the coming weeks and months. This image shows the observation of comet 3I/ATLAS when it was discovered on July 1, 2025. The NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Chile first reported that the comet originated from interstellar space. Photograph by ATLAS/University of Hawaii/NASA This animation shows the observations of comet 3I/ATLAS when it was discovered on July 1, 2025. The NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Chile first reported that the comet originated from interstellar space. Animation by ATLAS/University of Hawaii/NASA Like asteroids and comets, interstellar objects are thought to be remnants from a time when planets were first forming or the ruins of wrecked worlds and moons. But instead of originating around our sun, they hail from another planetary system entirely. As such, finding them is of paramount importance to astronomers. 'The more we can learn about other planetary systems from these interstellar visitors, the better we can understand how similar or different our own solar system is to the vast number of other planetary systems that stretch across the Milky Way,' says Greenstreet. (Did a 2014 meteor come from interstellar space?) Only two have been discovered so far. The first, 'Oumuamua, was spotted in 2017, and it was considerably strange: a pancake or cigar-shaped object that behaved like a comet but didn't display any clear signs of cometary activity. Because it was detected as it was already leaving the solar system, astronomers didn't get much time to study it. Theories about its origin run the gamut from plausible (a piece of a dead planet or a particularly odd comet) to the considerably less plausible (an alien spaceship). Then in 2019, astronomers spied a second object called 2I/Borisov, which looked and acted a lot more like a comet. Astronomers managed to scope it out as it was making its way into the solar system, and they got to examine it more closely. A sample size of two makes it difficult to know what interstellar objects are like in general. Astronomers hope that number will increase with the new Vera C. Rubin Observatory's comprehensive 10-year survey of the night sky launching later this year. But for now, this third interstellar object is a nice surprise. The new visitor was detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) facility, a network of four autonomous NASA-funded telescopes designed to spot potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroids. ATLAS's station in Chile spotted the interloper during a routine survey. Initially, 'we did not suspect anything unusual about its orbit,' says Larry Denneau, one of the principal investigators of ATLAS at the University of Hawai'i. But that quickly changed when astronomers at other telescopes glimpsed the object, and scientists plotted out its orbit with more precision. (Asteroids with 'unstable orbits' hide around Venus—do they threaten Earth?) Asteroids and comets can have all sorts of orbits, but they all still circumnavigate the Sun. This object, though, was moving too rapidly and in a very elongated manner, which indicated it 'is not bound to the Sun's gravity and will never pass through our solar system again,' says Greenstreet. With everyone in agreement, the object was confirmed and officially given a name: 3I/ATLAS. So, what's it like? The knowns and unknowns of 3I/ATLAS A new paper uploaded to the pre-print server arXiv summarizes what scientists know about the interstellar object so far. It clearly has a coma—a hazy bubble of gas created when ice turns into vapor as it's warmed by sunlight. 'Compared to the first two interstellar objects we've discovered, 3I/ATLAS is cometary like 2I/Borisov,' says Greenstreet, meaning, for now, 'Oumuamua remains the weirdo of the group. There are also hints that the object is somewhat red—a tell-tale sign that it's made of primeval matter that coalesced during the early days of its planetary system. So it's probably an extremely old geologic time capsule. 'At the moment, it's difficult to say how big it is,' says Greenstreet. Based on how much sunlight it's reflecting, it could be anywhere from 6 to 15 miles long. That's far bigger than 'Oumuamua (about one-quarter mile long) and 2I/Borisov (two-thirds of a mile long). But its coma and current distance obscure the true size of its likely smaller solid core. Not too much else is known about 3I/ATLAS just yet, but its trajectory through the solar system works in astronomers' favor. 'It'll be moving inwards for a few more months before it starts heading back out again,' says Aster Taylor, a graduate student of astrophysics at the University of Michigan. 'it's moving fast… [but] we'll have time to observe it.' Observatories all around the world, and even those in space, will spend time tracking it. As it dives toward the sun, 3I/ATLAS will also come within 18 million miles of Mars in early October. Several spacecraft are currently orbiting the Red Planet, and they may be able to use their cameras to study 3I/ATLAS's chemistry and other features as it rushes by. Astronomers expect to see plenty more cometary activity. Comets are often made of various types of ice, including frozen carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water. In the next few weeks, 3I/ATLAS will get close enough to the sun for its water ice to start vaporizing—expanding its coma and lengthening its luminescent tail. 'Be on the lookout for images in the coming months that show off its beautiful cometary features as it makes its relatively short journey through our corner of the galaxy,' says Greenstreet.
