Last Updated:
Mysterious object 3I/ATLAS is hurtling toward Earth at over 209,000 KM/H. Some scientists say it’s just a comet, others suspect it could be an alien probe
Estimated to be around 15 miles across, 3I/ATLAS is projected to pass closest to the Sun towards the end of November, offering a rare opportunity for close study. (AI Generated/News18 Hindi)
A baffling space object known as 3I/ATLAS is racing towards Earth at a staggering 209,214 km/h, stirring heated debate among astronomers. First observed on July 1, the object quickly revealed itself as the third interstellar visitor ever documented, only after the famous ‘Oumuamua and Borisov. Its remarkable speed, unusual approach angle, and remarkable journey through the solar system have set it apart from any previously observed entity.
What Is 3I/ATLAS: Comet Or Alien Observer?
While a majority of scientists interpret 3I/ATLAS as a conventional comet originating from beyond our solar system, a more speculative theory has captured public attention. Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb proposes that the object might be an alien surveillance device, driven by its trajectory, silent passage through planetary orbits, and speed. He suggests these could point to intentional design rather than chance.
Supporting this idea, Loeb and his team, Adam Hibbard and Adam Croll, invoked the Dark Forest Theory, which posits that advanced extraterrestrial civilisations may choose to remain hidden to avoid hostile encounters. According to them, 3I/ATLAS could represent a cautious probe performing reconnaissance without drawing attention.
Ancient Material Older Than Our Solar System
Estimated to be around 15 miles (24 kilometres) across, roughly the size of Manhattan island, 3I/ATLAS is composed of ice, carbon-rich minerals, silicates, and organic compounds, including water that may be over 7 billion years old, thus predating the formation of our solar system.
It is projected to pass closest to the Sun towards the end of November, offering a rare opportunity for close study.
Skepticism And Scientific Debate
Not all experts are convinced by the alien surveillance hypothesis. Canadian astronomer Samantha Lawler has countered that 3I/ATLAS is likely just another interstellar comet. She also noted that Loeb’s hypothesis is not yet peer-reviewed, emphasising that the notion of an alien origin is speculative at best.
Even Loeb acknowledges the possibility that the object may be entirely natural in origin, despite its unusual characteristics.
Invisible At Closest Approach – Coincidence Or Cover?
Intriguingly, 3I/ATLAS will not be visible from Earth around the time it passes closest to the Sun, making direct observation difficult. Avi Loeb suggests this invisibility could be purposeful, if the object is indeed an alien probe; staying hidden might be part of its strategy to avoid detection.
view comments
- First Published:
