Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS fuels alien threat debate as it hurtles toward Earth at 200,000 km/h

A mysterious object barreling through our solar system at over 209,000 km/h has captured the imagination of scientists and skywatchers alike. Named 3I/ATLAS, it’s only the third known interstellar visitor — after Oumuamua in 2017 and Borisov in 2019 — and it's already raising big questions and wild theories.

First detected on July 1, 3I/ATLAS has a velocity and trajectory that break the mold of typical solar system behavior. Its rapid entry and odd angle suggest it came from far beyond our stellar neighborhood.

Alien probe or ancient comet?

Most astronomers classify 3I/ATLAS as an interstellar comet. But Harvard’s Avi Loeb has reignited the alien surveillance theory, citing its quiet, swift movement and lack of gravitational slowing. Alongside Adam Hibbard and Adam Croll, Loeb connects this with the Dark Forest Theory — the idea that advanced alien civilizations may stay hidden, sending stealth probes instead of signals.

“This could be a probe carefully observing without being noticed,” Loeb said, noting its stealthy timing and near-invisibility during close approach.

What’s it made of?

Roughly the size of Manhattan — about 24 km long — 3I/ATLAS is composed of ice, carbon-rich materials, silicates, and ancient water. At over 7 billion years old, it predates our solar system, offering a rare look at primordial matter from deep space.

Scientific pushback

Not everyone is convinced. Canadian astronomer Samantha Lawler dismissed the alien theory as speculative and lacking peer-reviewed support, pointing out that 3I/ATLAS resembles Borisov, a known natural interstellar comet.

Even Loeb acknowledges it could be natural — but stresses the importance of not ignoring outliers. “Unusual data deserve investigation,” he argues.

A cosmic coincidence?

Adding intrigue, 3I/ATLAS will become unobservable from Earth during its closest approach to the Sun. Loeb finds the timing suspicious—coincidence or calculated stealth? Whatever its nature, 3I/ATLAS is pushing boundaries, challenging scientists to remain curious and open to the extraordinary possibility: we might not be alone.