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.
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.
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faster than a speeding bullet?
more powerful than a locomotive?
“Look!! Over there. A squirrel. It’s a BIG FAST rodent…”
I guess we can plan on more Epstein news in October. LOL
The speed of light is 186,000 Miles Per Second. So…its a lot slower.
Elvis and Ozzy.
We’re going to be attacked by a string of Christmas lights?
BTW - There are no Aliens coming to save you, kill you or anally probe you.
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That would make a great tag line. LOL!
Deadly aliens are coming, Ping.
If it slows down we are in trouble...................
Has the back course been plotted & examined?
An object going *to* somewhere must also be coming *from* somewhere.
Interstellar...................
This one gave me pause for thought.
This one gave me pause for thought.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Good one!
LED lights at that...
Well, sure.
I was thinking what star systems might intersect it’s back path. At the relatively slow speed of the object, we be looking back hundreds/thousands of years.
I made a mistake one time.
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