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A mysterious comet is racing through our solar system, and it’s stirring up more than just space dust. Known as 3I/Atlas, this rare interstellar visitor has captured global attention and a controversial theory from a Harvard scientist has fueled speculation that it might not be what it seems. What is comet 3I/Atlas? Interstellar comet 3I/Atlas marks a rare astronomical event as only the third interstellar object ever discovered passing through our solar system. Scientists first detected it in July 2025, noting its unusual chemical makeup and activity as it approached the sun. The comet reached its perihelion or closest point to the sun, on October 29, according to Space.com.ALSO READ: What does 67 mean, who made the 67 meme and why is it so popular? NASA experts have emphasized that while 3I/Atlas exhibits intriguing behavior, it’s a natural object that poses no threat to Earth. Researchers are using this opportunity to study how such interstellar visitors behave under solar influence, potentially expanding understanding of comets formed beyond our solar system, according to Space.com. Why is there talk of alien technology? The buzz around 3I/Atlas began when Avi Loeb, the Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University, theorized that the comet could have an artificial origin. Loeb wrote that there’s a 30% to 40% chance the object might be a “spacecraft” designed by extraterrestrial intelligence, as per a report by USA Today.Live Events"For a spacecraft, perihelion is the optimal time for either acceleration or deceleration by an impulse from an engine, thanks to the gravitational assist from the sun," Loeb wrote. "This is also true of a mothership releasing mini-probes that maneuver towards the planets. Unfortunately, we cannot observe 3I/ATLAS from Earth at this opportune time, which raises the question of whether its trajectory was fine-tuned by extraterrestrial intelligence?" The professor expanded on his theory in recent interviews and on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, triggering viral debate and conspiracy chatter across social media, as per a report by USA Today.ALSO READ: Earth’s new defender? How 3I/ATLAS might stop deadly asteroids in their tracks What do scientists say about the theory? Astronomy experts have been quick to respond, clarifying that Loeb’s ideas remain speculative and unsupported by evidence.According to the Guardian, NASA astronomy experts confirm the object seems to be a natural interstellar comet, pointing out that comets usually have distinctive variations.NASA researchers maintain that 3I/Atlas is behaving like a typical comet, though it displays distinctive chemical patterns as it warms near the sun.ALSO READ: Heidi Klum teases her Halloween costume 2025: Expect's to be 'very ugly', fans eagerly await her big reveal In one online post, Loeb wrote, “"On December 19, 2025, 6 days before Christmas, 3I/ATLAS will get to its closest distance of 267 million kilometers from Earth, assuming a purely gravitational trajectory. Will 3I/ATLAS send mini-probes towards Earth as Christmas gifts to humanity?" ALSO READ: Disturbing new details unearthed in investigation related to the case of teen Celeste Rivas found in D4vd's Tesla While his remarks have stirred excitement, scientists insist that 3I/Atlas is a natural interstellar comet, a fascinating visitor, yes, but not one carrying alien technology.FAQsIs comet 3I/Atlas an alien spacecraft?Experts say there’s no evidence of alien technology, 3I/Atlas appears to be a natural comet, according to NASA.When will 3I/Atlas be closest to Earth?It’s expected to pass within 267 million kilometers of Earth on December 19, 2025.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News on3i atlascomet 3I/AtlasAvi Loebcomet 3i atlas latest news3i/atlas tracking3i/atlas alien3i/atlas news3i/atlas trajectory3i/atlas latest images3i/atlas hit earth (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News on3i atlascomet 3I/AtlasAvi Loebcomet 3i atlas latest news3i/atlas tracking3i/atlas alien3i/atlas news3i/atlas trajectory3i/atlas latest images3i/atlas hit earth(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless Explore More Stories123
