Harvard’s Avi Loeb Claims Interstellar Object May Be Alien Craft

A remarkable claim has emerged from the scientific community regarding the interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS. Harvard professor Avi Loeb suggests that this celestial visitor may be an “alien ship,” featuring seven visible thrusters as it approaches the Sun. Reports indicate that the object displays “seven distinct jets” alongside a “large glowing halo,” raising questions about its nature and origin.

According to an article in the Daily Star, stacked images of 3I/ATLAS reveal a “large glowing halo” extending up to half a million kilometres, along with at least seven distinct jets. Loeb, a prominent figure in the search for extraterrestrial technosignatures at Harvard University, has characterized 3I/ATLAS as a “gift from interstellar space.” He has identified ten anomalies that differentiate this object from conventional comets, including its trajectory, which aligns closely with the ecliptic plane, and its unusually large mass compared to known interstellar bodies.

In his published work, Loeb stated, “The ten anomalies motivated me to propose the possibility that 3I/ATLAS is an extraterrestrial technological product of another civilisation in the Milky Way galaxy.” If confirmed as artificial, the implications would be profound, suggesting the potential for reconnaissance or exploration by an advanced civilization. An article from NDTV World highlighted Loeb’s caution, indicating that society must consider the object’s intent, whether benign or hostile.

These revelations prompt significant questions for the public: Are we alone in the universe? Can we detect actions from another civilization? Could this object pose a risk to Earth or humanity? Despite the excitement surrounding Loeb’s claims, many mainstream astronomers express skepticism.

As reported by Live Science, experts have dismissed the alien technology hypothesis as “nonsense.” Dr. Samantha Lawler from the University of Regina asserted that “all evidence points to this being an ordinary comet that was ejected from another solar system.” Similarly, renowned astrophysicist Brian Cox emphasized the need for speculation to be grounded in verified science, labeling unverified claims about 3I/ATLAS as “drivel.”

The central debate revolves around whether the “seven jets” mentioned in the media are the result of natural outgassing typical of comets or indicative of engineered thrusters. While the Daily Star article leans towards a dramatic interpretation, Loeb argues that the combination of trajectory, acceleration, and visual features may suggest propulsion rather than mere sublimation.

Yet, as Live Science notes, Loeb’s paper is described more as a “pedagogical exercise” than definitive proof. The scientific community maintains that observation, not speculation, will ultimately reveal the truth. Loeb has indicated that the true nature of 3I/ATLAS should become clearer as it approaches its perihelion and traverses the inner Solar System.

NASA and other observatories are actively monitoring its trajectory, brightness, chemical composition, and any signs of unexpected manoeuvring. For the general public, it is essential to remain curious yet grounded. While the idea of an alien craft captivates the imagination and generates headlines, prevailing evidence still supports the view of 3I/ATLAS as a natural interstellar body rather than a product of intelligent technology.

In summary, if 3I/ATLAS is indeed firing seven visible thrusters while surrounded by a halo as it nears the Sun, it could redefine humanity’s understanding of its place in the cosmos. However, until peer-reviewed data and confirmed observations substantiate such claims, the narrative remains one of intrigue, uncertainty, and the quest for knowledge.