An interstellar object, known as 3I/ATLAS, is approaching a critical point in its orbit as it nears the sun, an event that some scientists believe could reveal advanced technology. On Wednesday, October 29, 3I/ATLAS will reach its closest point to the sun, a phase referred to as perihelion. This moment is seen by respected astronomer Avi Loeb from Harvard University as an “acid test,” which could help clarify whether the object is merely a comet or something more extraordinary.
First detected in July, 3I/ATLAS is now at a pivotal point where its behavior may provide insights into its true nature. According to Loeb, if the object is indeed an artificial spacecraft, this perihelion could be the ideal time for it to exhibit changes in velocity. “The perihelion time for 3I/ATLAS was today at 11:47 UT (7:47 Eastern Time) according to the JPL Horizons fit to its trajectory. The uncertainty is only a few minutes,” Loeb noted.
The significance of this perihelion lies in the intense heat and gravitational forces exerted by the sun. Loeb explained, “If it is a natural comet glued together by weak forces, its heating by 770 watts per square metre may break it up into fragments which evaporate more quickly as a result of their large surface area per unit mass.” Such an event could lead to a dramatic increase in brightness and a cometary plume of gas and dust surrounding it. However, if 3I/ATLAS is technologically engineered, it might demonstrate maneuvers or deploy mini-probes. Additional signs of technology could include artificial lights or excess heat from a propulsion system.
Loeb”s hypotheses are based on various anomalies associated with 3I/ATLAS. He has developed a “Loeb Scale” to assess the likelihood of an object”s artificial origin and assigned 3I/ATLAS a score of 4 out of 10. “3I/ATLAS is most likely a comet of natural origin, but there are eight anomalies that give it a rank of 4,” he stated.
While its behavior raises questions, some analysis has been conducted on the composition of 3I/ATLAS. The gas plume emitted from its surface is primarily composed of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water, which differs notably from the typical composition of comets observed in our solar system. This unusual mixture, particularly the dominance of carbon dioxide, has fueled speculation that it may suggest an artificial origin, potentially indicating advanced technology or industrial processes.
Loeb emphasizes that the implications of discovering alien technology are significant, stating, “We have to collect as much data as possible to figure out its nature. The implication of alien technology would be huge and therefore we must take it seriously.” He added a sobering comparison regarding the size of 3I/ATLAS, remarking that “Our biggest rocket, Starship, is a hundred times smaller than 3I/ATLAS, so in case it is technological—its sender must possess technological capabilities that are well beyond those that we possess.”
As the scientific community anticipates data from the object”s solar flyby, NASA has confirmed that 3I/ATLAS does not pose any threat to Earth and is classified as the third known interstellar object passing through our solar neighborhood. As this intriguing object undergoes its “acid test,” astronomers are keenly awaiting results that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos. Is it merely a comet with atypical traits, or could it represent advanced technology capable of defying the known laws of spacetime? The unfolding observations will be crucial in answering these profound questions.
