A Harvard astrophysicist has drawn significant attention by advising the public to “take vacations before October 29,” hinting at the possibility that NASA may be concealing vital information regarding an enigmatic interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS. This object has garnered widespread scientific interest for its unusual dimensions, estimated to be approximately 5.6 kilometers in diameter, its remarkable velocity, and its perplexing path through our solar system.
In contrast to typical interstellar visitors, 3I/ATLAS emits nickel tetracarbonyl, a compound previously associated exclusively with industrial processes on Earth. Additionally, the object shows no detectable iron, adding to the intrigue surrounding its nature. The object”s strange behavior and chemical makeup have sparked debates among scientists, leading to questions about whether it is a natural remnant from another star system or something that defies standard cosmic explanations.
First identified in July, 3I/ATLAS is estimated to be roughly the size of Manhattan and weighs around 33 billion tons. Its speed is nearly double that of previous interstellar objects like “Oumuamua and Borisov, challenging established principles of cosmic physics. The object”s trajectory appears highly precise, aligning within five degrees of the planetary ecliptic plane, prompting some experts to explore theories beyond conventional celestial mechanics.
Dr. Avi Loeb, a professor at Harvard University known for his unconventional views on extraterrestrial life, has suggested that 3I/ATLAS might not be of natural origin. He points to its distinctive chemical characteristics and erratic behavior as potential signs of artificial phenomena. Notably, the object exhibits a gas jet directed towards the Sun, which is atypical for comets, and its finely tuned orbit could imply intentional design.
Loeb has expressed concerns that NASA may not have been forthcoming about the scientific data related to 3I/ATLAS, fueling speculation online. Observations made with the Keck II telescope in Hawaii have shown that the object emits about four grams of nickel each second, without any trace of iron. Loeb remarked, “There is only one place where that is known to exist and that is in industrially produced nickel alloys. This was never observed for any other object.” This unusual chemical signature leads him to theorize that 3I/ATLAS may have an artificial origin.
The discovery of 3I/ATLAS has divided the scientific community. Some scientists view it as a potential indication of intelligent design or advanced extraterrestrial technology, while others caution against jumping to conclusions, advocating for a thorough investigation of natural explanations first. In various interviews, Loeb has voiced his frustration over the perceived delay in releasing images, including those from the Mars Orbiter that reportedly captured the object near Mars. He insists that the public deserves full transparency from the agency, stating, “Who cares about the communication departments? We want to see the data from the scientists.”
Meanwhile, astronomers from the University of A Coruña in Spain have offered a more conventional interpretation of 3I/ATLAS. Their peer-reviewed simulations have found no signs of artificial interference and identified 93 potential stellar encounters that did not meaningfully alter the object”s trajectory. Dr. Pérez Couto, one of the authors of the study, noted, “Each observation is like opening a window into the Universe”s past. It allows us to study the evolution of materials that were formed around other stars.” The team concluded that 3I/ATLAS likely originated from the galaxy”s thin disk, a region thought to be up to 10 billion years old.
Despite the prevailing conventional explanation, Loeb remains skeptical. Known for questioning mainstream scientific perspectives, he argues that science must remain open to possibilities beyond accepted theories. “If it was designed by intelligence, you would not be able to predict exactly what it would do. It”s like finding a visitor in your backyard,” he explained. Loeb hinted that his warning to “take vacations before October 29” might coincide with upcoming observations or new data releases that could shed light on the true nature of 3I/ATLAS.
