Super-Fast New Comet Could Be Evil ‘Alien Technology,’ Harvard Professor Argues — but Other Experts Disagree

A Harvard professor has sparked controversy by suggesting that a recently discovered comet, known as 3I/ATLAS, could potentially be of extraterrestrial origin and may even be “alien technology.” The notion was put forth in a research paper co-written by Avi Loeb, a physicist at Harvard University, who proposed the idea as a thought experiment rather than a definitive assertion.

In the paper, the authors theorize that the comet’s unusual trajectory and high velocity could indicate that it was deliberately sent by an alien civilization for unknown purposes, possibly with hostile intent. The comet’s rapid speed and peculiar characteristics are cited as evidence supporting this unconventional hypothesis, which has raised eyebrows among the scientific community.

Avi Loeb, a renowned advocate for investigating the potential existence of alien life, emphasised the importance of considering all possibilities and gathering sufficient evidence before drawing conclusions about the nature of the comet. He urged for a cautious approach, stating that it is crucial to assess the risks associated with 3I/ATLAS based on the available data.

Despite the provocative claims made in the research paper, other experts have dismissed the alien technology theory and instead attribute the comet’s behaviour to natural phenomena. Samantha Lawler from the University of Regina highlighted that observations of 3I/ATLAS align with typical cometary activity and suggest a conventional origin for the celestial object.

The discovery of 3I/ATLAS marks the third known interstellar object to have entered our solar system, following Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. NASA first detected the comet in early July, with subsequent observations revealing its extraordinary speed of 137,000 miles per hour as it hurtles through space. Despite its rapid movement, NASA reassures that 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth and will remain at a safe distance.

As 3I/ATLAS approaches its closest point to the Sun in late October, astronomers are closely studying its composition and physical properties to unravel more about this interstellar visitor. The comet’s journey from another star system, where it formed before being ejected into interstellar space, presents an intriguing opportunity to gain insights into the cosmic origins of such celestial bodies.

With ongoing investigations and data collection, scientists hope to shed light on the mysteries surrounding 3I/ATLAS and decipher its true nature. The comet’s presence in our solar system offers a rare chance to study an interstellar object up close, providing invaluable knowledge about the vast universe beyond our planetary boundaries.

In the realm of space exploration and astronomical discoveries, the debate surrounding 3I/ATLAS serves as a reminder of the boundless possibilities and enigmatic phenomena that exist beyond our terrestrial realm. As scientists continue to probe the secrets of the cosmos, each new revelation brings us closer to unlocking the mysteries of the universe and our place within it.