Posted on 07/29/2025 8:45:03 AM PDT by Red Badger
Credit: NSF NOIRLab/Int.Gemini Ob et al. / SWNS | The Daily Galaxy --Great Discoveries Channel
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A team of astrophysicists has raised concerns about a recently discovered interstellar object named 3I/ATLAS, claiming it may not be a comet at all—but potentially a technological artifact of alien origin. Detected on July 1, the object is moving at an extraordinary speed of over 130,000 mph and is expected to reach its closest point to the Sun—its perihelion—later this year, with an arrival window near Earth projected for late November or early December 2025.
Strange Features Hint At Alien Design
The study, published on arXiv, posits that if their theory proves correct, the consequences could be “potentially dire for humanity.” Researchers suggest that 3I/ATLAS enters our solar system at a trajectory and velocity that are not only unusual, but could reflect intentional design. According to astrophysicist Avi Loeb, a Harvard professor known for his bold theories on extraterrestrial life, the object’s approach vector may be deliberately chosen.
In a Medium post, Loeb explains, “3I/ATLAS achieves perihelion on the opposite side of the Sun relative to Earth. 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.”
Loeb, who previously theorized that the ʻOumuamua object in 2017 was a probe sent by alien intelligence, notes that 3I/ATLAS shares a number of similarities. He highlights its anomalous speed, which surpasses even that of ʻOumuamua, and emphasizes that it could serve “various benefits to an extraterrestrial intelligence.”
He also notes the object’s orbital path intersects with the planetary domains of Jupiter, Mars, and Venus, further suggesting it could be maneuvering through the solar system rather than drifting aimlessly. The study’s authors, including Adam Hibbered and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London, align with Loeb in their assessment that these features may not be coincidental.
Skepticism From Mainstream Astronomy
While the object’s speed and entry angle are certainly unusual, not everyone in the scientific community agrees with the alien theory. Samantha Lawler, an astronomer from the University of Regina in Canada, refutes the notion, stating: “All evidence points to this being an ordinary comet that was ejected from another solar system, just as countless billions of comets have been ejected from our own solar system.”
Even Loeb himself concedes that the most probable explanation is a natural one. He admits that the “most likely outcome will be that 3I/ATLAS is a completely natural interstellar object, probably a comet.”
Nevertheless, the possibility of it being a hostile surveillance device or a technological probe hasn’t been entirely dismissed by the study’s authors. Loeb also points out the limitations of our current technology, explaining that our best rockets can reach only a third of the object’s speed.
Countdown To November Arrival The celestial body is estimated to be 15 miles in diameter, significantly larger than Manhattan, and will soon reach the inner solar system. While its comet-like appearance has led many to consider it a natural object, its unconventional properties and approach route continue to fuel alternative hypotheses.
If the object turns out to be of artificial origin, as some suggest, Earth could be facing a scenario “that would possibly require defensive measures to be undertaken,” according to the researchers. The team stresses that its appearance and behavior deserve close monitoring as it nears Earth’s orbital space.
Until then, 3I/ATLAS remains a subject of both scientific fascination and public speculation, balancing between a potential cosmic visitor and a celestial anomaly with no precedent.
looks gay
Unless it deviates massively from its trajectory (which means, yeah, it's an alien spacecraft), its "arrival window near Earth" will still be 170 million miles away.
I do agree with the article that we (humanity) need to put more effort toward planetary defense. That is something where the UN could actually be helpful, but it would probably be more efficient for the major spacefaring nations to set up some sort of permanent working group to devise a plan or plans.
There's not much we can about something coming at us from outside the solar system at 150,000 mph, though. It's moving too fast and there's not enough warning time to set something up to intercept it. For reference, 150,000 mph is more than twice as fast as any manmade spacecraft has travelled.
You’re right... I knew something seemed off when I typed that.
The speed of light in a vacuum is 186,282 miles per SECOND, not per hour.
150,000 mph is nowhere near the speed of light.
All Your Base Are Belong to Us
I’ve already seen that movie.
If it’s a comet, do we get a show?
They’re coming to take jasmine crockett back
It’ll take a while for it to warm up.................
Or make another delivery....................
No. It is (2/3 of the speed of light)/60.
About a bit more than 1% of the speed of light, about 1/90 the speed of light.
You forgot to carry the 2. :)
I’m still faster when I’m late for work.
VGER is back and he’s pissed.
Strictly natural object 3I/Atlast is a rock that's moving too fast to be in orbit around our Sun.
1/5,163,600 of a light-year
So (assuming constant velocity) it would have taken approximately 21,887 years for an object traveling at 130,000 mph to reach Earth from Proxima Centauri (closest star at 4.24 light years).
Proxima doesn’t strike many as a likely candidate for life, so it would probably would have had to be sent sometime when the dinosaurs ruled the Earth.
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