Scientists from NASA and ESA are studying its path, composition, and behavior to understand whether it is a natural interstellar object or an unknown alien technology. Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb’s statement about a possible 40% chance of 3I/Atlas being alien technology has added curiosity to this rare cosmic event. The comet, currently heading for its solar encounter, is not a threat to Earth but is an important opportunity for space research and observation.
3I/Atlas on its way to Sun: What scientists are studying?
3I/Atlas on its way to Sun should we be worried as Harvard astronomer says 40% chance interstellar comet is alien technology — this question has captured global attention. The comet, originating from outside our solar system, is expected to reach its closest point to the Sun around October 29 or 30, 2025.
It will pass about 1.4 astronomical units (around 210 million kilometers) from the Sun, within the orbit of Mars. NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have confirmed that 3I/Atlas poses no danger to Earth.
3I/Atlas discovery and its name origin
Comet 3I/Atlas was discovered on July 1, 2025, by NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile. NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) confirmed that its orbit traces back to beyond our solar system.
It is the third known interstellar object detected, following 1I/ʻOumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. The “I” in its name stands for “interstellar,” and the number “3” identifies it as the third interstellar visitor discovered.
Why scientists call it an interstellar object?
NASA identified 3I/Atlas as an interstellar object due to its hyperbolic orbital path. This means it does not follow a closed orbit around the Sun, unlike most comets and planets. The ESA noted that such interstellar objects bring important clues about worlds that formed beyond our solar system.
When will 3I/Atlas reach closest to the Sun?
3I/Atlas will make its closest approach to the Sun on October 30, 2025. It will also come within 1.8 astronomical units of Earth (around 270 million kilometers). The event will give scientists a unique chance to observe how such interstellar comets behave when heated by the Sun.
As it nears the Sun, its icy surface will vaporize, forming a bright coma and an extended tail. The ESA said this tail can stretch for millions of kilometers, created by the release of gas and dust from the comet’s nucleus.
Can we see 3I/Atlas from Earth?
3I/Atlas may be visible to ground-based telescopes until September 2025. It will then move too close to the Sun to observe but will reappear in December 2025. The ESA captured an image of the comet on October 7, showing its bright coma while passing near Mars.
Currently, 3I/Atlas remains hidden in the Sun’s glare, making it difficult to observe from Earth without specialized telescopes.
Avi Loeb’s theory: Could 3I/Atlas be alien technology?
Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb has said that there is a 40% chance 3I/Atlas is alien technology. Writing on his blog, Loeb questioned if the comet might be an extraterrestrial probe disguised as a natural object.
He noted unusual features such as non-gravitational acceleration and an abnormal trajectory that brings the comet near Jupiter, Venus, and Mars. Loeb suggested that 3I/Atlas might be a “Trojan horse” from another civilization conducting reconnaissance on Earth.
The ‘black swan event’ concern
Avi Loeb also warned that 3I/Atlas could be a “black swan event” — a rare, high-impact occurrence that is unpredictable but significant in hindsight. He urged that global agencies remain alert and consider strategies to respond if the comet reveals artificial origins.
What is 3I/Atlas made of?
According to ESA data and reports, 3I/Atlas contains carbon dioxide, cyanide, and atomic nickel vapor. These components make it chemically distinct from most comets found within the solar system. Its nucleus is estimated to be less than one kilometer wide, surrounded by a cloud of dust and gas called the coma.
Scientists believe 3I/Atlas could be much older than our solar system. The ESA suggests it may be about 7.6 billion years old — nearly three billion years older than the Sun itself.
No threat to Earth, but valuable insights
NASA has confirmed that 3I/Atlas poses no danger to Earth. Instead, it provides a rare opportunity to study material that formed in another star system. Researchers expect to learn more about its composition and structure as it nears the Sun in the coming days.
Astronomers will continue monitoring the object to gather data on its speed, chemical makeup, and behavior, hoping to understand whether its unique features are natural or something beyond current explanation.
FAQs
1. What is 3I/Atlas and why is it important?
3I/Atlas is an interstellar comet from outside the solar system. It helps scientists study how cosmic objects form in distant star systems.
2. Did Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb say 3I/Atlas is alien technology?
Yes, Avi Loeb suggested a 40% chance that 3I/Atlas could be alien technology based on its unusual motion and trajectory near major planets.
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