Introduction
On July 1, astronomers from the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) identified an interstellar object traveling through our Solar System—a comet dubbed 3I/ATLAS. This discovery marks the third confirmed visitation by an interstellar entity, following 1I/’Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
Characteristics of 3I/ATLAS
3I/ATLAS stands out due to its unusual chemical composition and polarization, along with a rare phenomenon known as an anti-tail, which is not merely an optical illusion.
Current Position and Observations
At present, 3I/ATLAS has moved to a position behind the Sun, making it difficult for Earth’s telescopes to observe. The object will reach solar conjunction on October 21, positioning it directly behind the Sun from our vantage point.
Despite this, Mars orbiters and potentially those orbiting Jupiter have captured observations of the comet. Unfortunately, as 3I/ATLAS approaches perihelion—the closest point in its orbit to the Sun—viewing it from Earth remains impossible.
Outgassing Activity
Like other comets, 3I/ATLAS emits volatile gases and dust as it nears the Sun. Currently, it is outgassing while approximately 6.4 astronomical units (AU) from our star; one AU equals the distance from the Earth to the Sun. Observations of the comet during its perihelion could provide significant insights into its original environment.
Alien Technology Hypotheses
Amid the excitement of the comet’s approach, controversial claims have emerged from some astronomers. Notably, Harvard professor Avi Loeb has suggested that 3I/ATLAS may not be of natural origin and could perform an unexpected maneuver when it is out of view. Loeb posits that if the comet were to originate from alien technology—a scenario he acknowledges is unlikely since no extraterrestrial craft have been observed thus far—it could use the Sun’s gravity to alter its flight path through what he terms an “Oberth maneuver.”
Predictions and Speculations
Loeb assigned a 30–40% chance that 3I/ATLAS does not possess a purely natural origin, suggesting it could represent a black swan event similar to a Trojan Horse scenario where a technologically advanced object masquerades as a comet. His notion has sparked alarm among conspiracy theorists.
Contrasting Loeb’s claims, Tom Statler, NASA’s lead scientist for Solar System small bodies, defended the notion that 3I/ATLAS is indeed a natural comet. He stated, “It looks like a comet. It does comet things. It very, very strongly resembles, in just about every way, the comets that we know.”
Upcoming Key Tests and Implications
As 3I/ATLAS is set to reach perihelion on October 29, it presents a crucial test for both the natural and alien theories surrounding it. Loeb speculated about the possibility of a ‘mothership’ deploying mini-probes during the perihelion maneuver, taking advantage of the Sun’s gravitational effects. He noted the expected change in angular momentum during this maneuver could facilitate interception with Earth.
Monitoring the Comet’s Path
If 3I/ATLAS were to exhibit significant changes in its trajectory or mass, it could indicate the ejection of mini-probes. However, as a natural object, it is more probable that it will follow its trajectory out of the Solar System, experiencing minor path alterations due to solar radiation.
Loeb concludes in a blog post that while 3I/ATLAS most likely is a natural comet, the potential for an Oberth maneuver must be regarded seriously due to its wide-reaching implications for humanity.
