Is comet 3I/Atlas a space ship? What to know about Harvard professor's theory

[Buster's Uncle]

Detroit Free Press
Is comet 3I/Atlas a space ship? What to know about Harvard professor's theory
Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press
Wed, October 29, 2025 at 9:25 AM EDT
2 min read





A rare interstellar object is hurtling toward the sun and, despite viral claims, experts say it's just a normal comet, although it's showing some unexpected behavior.

3I/Atlas marks the third interstellar object ever discovered in our solar system; scientists found the interstellar object in July 2025, according to Space.com.

As the comet nears its closest point to the sun in its orbit Oct. 29, and amid a Harvard astronomer's hypothesis about potential alien technology, the internet has been abuzz with curiosity about 3I/Atlas.

Experts with NASA say there's no reason to worry, as the object is a natural comet posing no threat to Earth, though its unusual chemical activity offers a chance for new scientific discoveries, according to the Guardian.

Here's what to know about interstellar comet activity.


What's happening with 3I/Atlas?

Interstellar comet 3I/Atlas is expected to reach perihelion, its closest point to the sun, Wednesday, Oct. 29, according to Space.com.


What are people saying about 3I/Atlas?

Astronomer Avi Loeb, the Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University, recently made waves online for his theory that the interstellar comet has a 30% to 40% chance of being an artificial alien object sent to observe the solar system, Futurism reported.

"For a spacecraft, perihelion is the optimal time for either acceleration or deceleration by an impulse from an engine, thanks to the gravitational assist from the sun," Loeb wrote. "This is also true of a mothership releasing mini-probes that maneuver towards the planets. Unfortunately, we cannot observe 3I/ATLAS from Earth at this opportune time, which raises the question of whether its trajectory was fine-tuned by extraterrestrial intelligence?"

Loeb has written papers outlining his theory and made media appearances, including on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast's Oct. 28 episode, sparking online chatter and conspiracy theories.

"On December 19, 2025, 6 days before Christmas, 3I/ATLAS will get to its closest distance of 267 million kilometers from Earth, assuming a purely gravitational trajectory. Will 3I/ATLAS send mini-probes towards Earth as Christmas gifts to humanity?" Loeb wrote online.


Is 3I/Atlas really a threat?

Loeb's viral claims lack evidence and astronomy experts at NASA confirm the object appears to be a natural interstellar comet, noting individual comets typically have unique variations, the Guardian reported.


What is 3I/Atlas?

3I/Atlas is an interstellar comet discovered by scientists this summer, the third interstellar object ever confirmed to pass through the solar system, according to Space.com.

Astronomers have noted unusual chemical patterns as the comet approaches the sun, broadening expectations about comet activity amid cold temperatures in outer space, per Space.com.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/comet-3i-atlas-space-ship-132507369.html

[Lorizael]

Betteridge's law says...