The interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS has sparked significant concern and speculation, particularly regarding its potential impact on Earth on October 29, 2025. This comet, which is the third known interstellar visitor to our solar system after 1I/Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019, has been the subject of various conspiracy theories among certain scientific and public circles.
Prominent astrophysicist Avi Loeb from Harvard University has suggested that the comet, measuring approximately the size of Manhattan, might be driven by extraterrestrial intelligence. This notion has been echoed by renowned science communicator Michio Kaku, who shares similar sentiments regarding the exploratory nature of 3I/ATLAS.
Traveling at an impressive speed exceeding 60 miles per hour, 3I/ATLAS is nearing its perihelion, a point in its orbit where it approaches the sun, making it increasingly difficult for Earth-based telescopes to observe. As this moment approaches, various conspiracy theories have begun to proliferate on social media platforms. One theory posits that 3I/ATLAS could be a human spacecraft, sent on a mission 12,800 years ago during the Younger Dryas period to safeguard humanity on a distant planet, now returning for resources ahead of a significant geophysical event.
Another user has enhanced images of the comet using artificial intelligence, claiming it resembles a “space temple.” Additionally, some have circulated altered visuals suggesting that footage of 3I/ATLAS has been leaked from Japan, portraying it as a large vessel. A particularly far-fetched theory proposes that it is a ship housing millions of dormant Draco reptilian soldiers.
Professor Loeb has indicated that on October 29, 2025, 3I/ATLAS will reach a perihelion distance of 203 million kilometers from the sun. This timing coincides with the period when the comet will be obscured from observation by Earth-based telescopes. He questions whether this alignment is coincidental or the result of deliberate orbital mechanics.
Loeb further noted that the solar radiation it receives at perihelion could generate over 33 gigawatts of power, a figure comparable to the total output of multiple commercial nuclear reactors in the United States. Despite the speculative nature of these discussions, he maintains that 3I/ATLAS is most likely a natural comet. However, he acknowledges the possibility of it performing an “Oberth maneuver,” a theoretical propulsion tactic that could have vast implications for humanity, albeit with a low probability of occurrence.
In a recent commentary, Loeb remarked on the uncertainty surrounding the future, stating, “I don”t know if there will be meaning to money if this object turns out to be technological after October 29.” He advised those considering travel to take vacations before this date, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the situation.
As discussions around 3I/ATLAS continue, the intersection of scientific inquiry and public fascination with the unknown remains a compelling narrative in the field of astrophysics.
