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A mysterious object from beyond our solar system has returned astronomers to a familiar cosmic debate. As it races toward the sun, questions swirl around its origin and nature. Is it just a fast-moving comet or something more unusual?
3I/ATLAS Enters Solar System at Blazing Speed
Named 3I/ATLAS, the object was first spotted on July 1. Travelling over 210,000 km/h, it was quickly confirmed as interstellar. It approaches the sun from an unusual angle, moving faster than previous visitors. Early data suggests it may be a giant comet, its coma stretching 24 kilometres wide.
Researchers believe it could be around 3 billion years older than our sun. That would make it one of the oldest comets ever observed. Yet not all scientists are convinced this is a typical icy traveller.
Aliens or Imagination? Astronomer’s Claims Stir Criticism
A controversial paper posted on July 16 challenges the comet idea. The study suggests 3I/ATLAS could be alien technology in disguise. The authors—including Avi Loeb, a well-known alien researcher—admit there is no direct proof. They describe the theory as a thought experiment, not a formal claim.
Loeb links the object’s path and speed to possible intent. He argues its close passes by Jupiter, Mars, and Venus seem suspicious. He suggests aliens could use the object to send “gadgets” to those planets. Its hidden path behind the sun might block Earth’s view, he says.
Loeb has made similar claims before, most notably about ‘Oumuamua in 2017. That object was later considered a natural asteroid. But Loeb insists unusual traits make alien explanations worth exploring.
Other experts disagree strongly. Scientists say 3I/ATLAS shows all the signs of a typical comet. They note its coma, icy tail, and expected chemical signs as key evidence. Some say the paper distracts from real scientific work being done on this rare visitor.
Scientists Push Back Against Alien Technology Theories
Darryl Seligman, who led the first study of 3I/ATLAS, calls it a regular interstellar comet. He says it shares behaviour with comets ejected from other systems. Samantha Lawler, another astronomer, agrees. She says its high speed and entry angle aren’t unusual.
Lawler also criticises claims about missing comet chemicals. She says it’s still far from the sun, so those signs wouldn’t appear yet. The compounds could show up in the coming weeks.
Despite the backlash, Loeb defends his approach. He says entertaining bold ideas keeps science open to the unexpected. But Lawler disagrees, saying the paper lacks the strong evidence needed for such claims.
Chris Lintott, a British astronomer, also dismisses the alien theory. He says calling 3I/ATLAS artificial is “nonsense on stilts.” He believes it undermines the valuable global efforts to study the object.
Loeb remains firm, saying the idea is still worth considering. He links it to the “dark forest” theory—that aliens hide in silence to survive. If true, it could mean Earth might be at risk from unknown watchers.
But for now, the scientific majority stands with nature. Most say 3I/ATLAS is just another icy wanderer. It may be rare, but it doesn’t need aliens to be fascinating.
