Physicist Raises Alarm Over Potential Alien Origin of 3I/ATLAS

Avi Loeb, a physicist from Harvard University, has voiced serious concerns regarding the interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS, suggesting it may originate from an advanced extraterrestrial civilization. He warns that if this comet, which is roughly the size of Manhattan, reaches Earth, it could trigger a globally significant event, described as a “black swan event.”

3I/ATLAS has intrigued scientists due to its unusual characteristics, including its remarkable speed and size. A recent clip released by Japanese sources appears to depict a “large vessel” connected to the object, further intensifying speculation. Loeb claims that NASA has “quietly activated” its planetary defense network in response to the find, although this information remains unverified.

Loeb has identified ten anomalies that indicate 3I/ATLAS is not simply a natural comet. He has repeatedly urged global agencies to remain vigilant, warning that humanity could face dire consequences if this object is confirmed to have artificial origins.

Unexplained Trajectory Sparks Speculation

Adding to the mystery, Loeb has noted that the trajectory of 3I/ATLAS is suspiciously close to the coordinates of the 1977 “Wow! Signal,” a powerful radio signal believed to be of extraterrestrial origin. This signal was detected by the Big Ear radio telescope and lasted 72 seconds, leading to significant intrigue among researchers.

Despite Loeb’s claims, many scientists assert that the spectroscopic and observational data available point to a natural, albeit atypical, origin for 3I/ATLAS. They argue that the object’s odd trajectory and chemical composition do not conclusively prove extraterrestrial origins.

Discovered by the ATLAS telescope system on July 1, 2025, 3I/ATLAS was classified as “interstellar” due to its trajectory, which indicates it is not bound to our solar system. The comet is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025, at a distance of approximately 270 million kilometers.

Ongoing Observations and Monitoring Efforts

The object has captured the attention of scientists worldwide, particularly following its unexpected brightness and a distinct blue appearance that stands out from the sun. Spectroscopic studies have revealed a gas cloud rich in carbon dioxide but low in water, leading some researchers to speculate that the comet could be as ancient as 7 billion years old.

NASA, along with the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), has reportedly initiated an observation campaign to monitor 3I/ATLAS more closely. This effort might mark the first time an interstellar object is being tracked in such a manner. While NASA has confirmed that 3I/ATLAS poses no immediate threat to Earth, IAWN aims to enhance its tracking capabilities and assess global planetary defense strategies.

Scientists are particularly interested in the comet’s trajectory and brightness, hoping to determine whether it follows a natural path or exhibits any unexplainable changes. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has detected signs of “non-gravitational acceleration,” suggesting forces acting on the object beyond the sun’s gravity alone.

As the astronomical community continues to investigate the enigmatic 3I/ATLAS, the potential implications of its origins remain a topic of intense debate. For now, researchers are focused on carefully tracking the comet’s path as it approaches Earth, preparing for various possibilities regarding its nature and origins.