Latest news with #GalileoProject
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Is this comet alien tech? ASU Planetarium Director explains
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — On July 1, 2025, an interstellar object named 3I/ATLAS was discovered and on July 17 a paper was co-published by Abraham Loeb from the University of Harvard who theories that it could be alien technology. After a CVHP reporter discovered the paper co-published by Loeb, he reached out to ASU's Planetarium Director Kenneth Carrell for a better understanding of 3I/ATLAS and Loeb's theory. 'This object is quite interesting,' said Carrell. 'It's only the third object we've detected coming into our Solar System from somewhere outside of it, all of which have been discovered since 2017. These objects have likely been passing through our Solar System since it was formed, but we are only now getting to a point where we have telescopes and instruments powerful enough to discover them on a (semi-)regular basis.' What is 3I/ATLAS? 3I/ATLAS is a small comet-like object that was recently discovered reported Carrell. Observations of 3I/ATLAS indicate that its' path is not bound to an orbit around our Sun, and therefore not part of our Solar System and it's just passing through. 3I/ATLAS will come relatively close to Earth but not too close. its closest approach to us is about twice the distance between the Earth and Sun reported Carrell. 'It is a little misleading because all the objects are constantly moving, I believe the image shows the current positions,' said Carrell. All the planets orbit the Sun in a counterclockwise direction, by the time the comet gets close to the Sun, Earth will be on the other side of the Sun. 3I/ATLAS will come relatively close to three planets which are Jupiter, Mars and Venus reported Carrell. Background information on Loeb Loeb is the head of the Galileo Project, which is attempting to detect evidence of technosignatures and UFOs. Loeb has a history of publishing papers or pushing the ideas of alien technology for a few years now. Carrell told the publication that the very first interstellar object to come into our Solar System was 'Oumuamua and Loeb suggested in blogs and published papers that the object was some kind of alien technology (the paper suggested it was a light sail). Loeb theorized this because there were some peculiarities with the path 'Oumuamua took, especially as it left the Solar System. The scientific consensus was that 'Oumuamua was an ordinary asteroid/comet-like object. In 2023, Loeb led an expedition to the Pacific Ocean in an attempt to retrieve fragments of alien technology from a meteor impact that hit in 2014. On the expedition, he found small spheres of material that entirely consistent with normal meteorite fragments but claimed they could be alien technology said Carrell. Carrell shares his thoughts about 3I/ATLAS Carrel explained that there is always the possibility that objects such as 3I/ATLAS are actually some types of alien technology or transportation that either intentionally or unintentionally has made its way to our Solar System. 'However, the much more likely and scientifically sound possibility is that this is some small rocky object that formed around some other star, was flung out by the gravity of the star or one of its planets, and eventually passed through our neck of the woods,' said Carrell. He then said that even though this may not seem as exciting as alien technology, it is still very fascinating, and each of these objects we discover tell us more about our own Solar System, the Milky Way, and the Universe as a whole. 'It is also fascinating that science is often pushed forward by science-fiction,' said Carrell. 'I think the people who say these objects are alien technology may have been influenced by people like Arthur C. Clarke – it is very reminiscent of Rendezvous with Rama.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
India.com
02-08-2025
- Science
- India.com
An alien ship heading towards Earth? Shocking claims made by Harvard Scientist Avi Loeb... could humanity end? NASA says...
Space is a vast and mysterious expanse that continues to both baffle and inspire us. When we look into the night sky and see twinkling stars, it is an indication that there is so much we do not know, much of which we will likely never know; the possibilities are endless. One of the most intriguing mathematical possibilities is that of extra-terrestrial life. For many centuries, we have speculated about whether we are truly alone in the universe. From philosophers to scientists, to the millions who quietly wonder if intelligent civilizations might exist, it has been a background subject of discussion. What exactly is 3I/ATLAS? Well, a mysterious object known as 3I/ATLAS has recently been discovered in space, and it is coming fast toward Earth. There have been competing claims about its origin, but some of the more interesting claims are that 3I/ATLAS could be an alien spacecraft en route to Earth. The most notable claims have been made by Harvard scientist Avi Loeb, who thinks the object is not a comet but potentially an alien form of surveillance technology. His theory has raised a new discussion amongst astronomers throughout the world. Is 3I/ATLAS Really an Alien Ship or Just a Natural Space Object? 3I/ATLAS is barreling through space at a remarkable speed of 210,000 km/h. Its glowing, gaseous envelope, which is about 24 kilometers wide, is most likely billions of years older than our own solar system. Some scientists think it is a very ancient comet, while others do not agree. Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb has caused a stir by coming up with a unique theory. Loeb claims that 3I/ATLAS may be a piece of an alien land stop effort. He claims that 3I/ATLAS might be some sort of scheming alien invasion plan. Loeb claims that it might be some form of surveillance instrument used by extraterrestrial beings to monitor us, potentially posing a threat to humanity. This speculation has caused more controversy around the ongoing discussion regarding whether intelligent aliens exist and what intentions they may have that have caused global interest and also fears. In a paper published on July 17, Dr. Loeb, Adam Drowl, and Adam Hibberd, wrote, 'The hypothesis in question is that [31/ATLAS] is a technological artifact, and furthermore has active intelligence. If this is the case, then two possibilities follow. First, that its intentions are entirely benign and second, they are malign.' Avi Loeb is one of the most prominent figures in astrophysics today. Loeb is a professor at Harvard University as well as the director of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Loeb is heading up the ambitious Galileo Project, which undertakes an experimental search for evidence of extraterrestrial technology in the vicinity of Earth. His audacious hypotheses about alien intelligence, and interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS have stirred significant contention in the international scientific community, challenging accepted thought and expanding the definition of space research. Avi Loeb was born in Israel. At the age of 24, he received his PhD in physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He later became a long-term member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and continued his outstanding research in astrophysics. Throughout his career, Loeb is reported to have written over 1,000 scientific papers with an h-index of 131. In addition to research, Loeb also has published popular science books. His recent works include books titled Extraterrestrial and Interstellar, which consider the concept of alien life and our place in the wide universe beyond Earth. In all, Loeb continues to push scientific boundaries with his research and encourages the next generation of thinkers to challenge the conventional. Previously, Avi Loeb chaired Harvard's Department of Astronomy from 2011 to 2020. Furthermore, he helped initiate the Black Hole Initiative. According to the official website of NASA, the NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, first reported observations to the Minor Planet Center of comet 3I/ATLAS on July 1, 2025. Comet 3I/ATLAS is the third known object from outside our solar system to be discovered. Astronomers have categorized this object as interstellar because of the hyperbolic shape of its orbital path, reported NASA. According to the space agency, Comet 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth and will remain far away. The closest it will approach our planet is about 1.8 astronomical units (about 170 million miles, or 270 million kilometers). 3I/ATLAS will reach its closest point to the Sun around Oct. 30, 2025, at a distance of about 1.4 au (130 million miles, or 210 million kilometers) — just inside the orbit of Mars.
Economic Times
31-07-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
Meet Avi Loeb, the Harvard scientist who says ancient 3I/ATLAS comet is actually an alien ship
Agencies Born in Israel, Loeb earned his PhD in physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem by the age of 24. A mysterious interstellar object named 3I/ATLAS, discovered on July 1, 2025, has triggered intense discussion among astronomers worldwide. Hurtling through space at over 210,000 km/h and sporting a glowing gas envelope roughly 24 km wide, the object is believed to be billions of years older than our solar system. While many researchers consider it an unusually ancient comet, a provocative theory has come from Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, who suggested it might be more than just ice and dust. In a preprint paper shared on July 16 via arXiv, Loeb — along with a small team of scientists from the UK's Initiative for Interstellar Studies — proposed that 3I/ATLAS could potentially be a technological artifact from an advanced alien civilization. 'The hypothesis in question is that [31/ATLAS] is a technological artifact, and furthermore has active intelligence. If this is the case, then two possibilities follow. First, that its intentions are entirely benign and second, they are malign,' Dr. Loeb, Adam Drowl, and Adam Hibberd, wrote in a paper published on July 17. Loeb later clarified that the idea is a 'pedagogical exercise' rather than a confirmed theory, he warned that if the hypothesis were true, it could lend credibility to the Dark Forest hypothesis — the unsettling notion that alien civilizations stay silent to avoid hostile contact. In a blog post, he cautioned that the consequences for humanity could be dire if we were indeed being observed. Other scientists have pushed back firmly. Darryl Seligman of Michigan State University and Samantha Lawler from the University of Regina have both emphasized that 3I/ATLAS exhibits classical cometary features. Lawler called it 'an ordinary comet ejected from another solar system,' dismissing the alien technology theory as unlikely. Avi Loeb is one of the most well-known — and controversial — voices in astrophysics today. He serves as the Frank B. Baird, Jr., Professor of Science at Harvard University, and is the Director of the Institute for Theory and Computation at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Loeb also leads the Galileo Project, which seeks scientific evidence of extraterrestrial technology near Earth. Born in Israel, Loeb earned his PhD in physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem by the age of 24. He went on to become a long-term member of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton and has contributed over 1,000 scientific papers, with an h-index of 131. He has written several popular books, including Extraterrestrial and Interstellar , which explore the possibility of alien life and humanity's place in the cosmos. Loeb previously chaired Harvard's Department of Astronomy (2011–2020) and helped launch the Black Hole Initiative. He has advised institutions ranging from the White House's President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) to the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative, a project aimed at interstellar travel. Loeb is known not only for his academic achievements but also for his willingness to challenge conventional thinking — especially on the subject of extraterrestrial intelligence. Whether or not 3I/ATLAS proves to be a sign of alien life, Avi Loeb has once again sparked a global conversation.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Meet Avi Loeb, the Harvard scientist who says ancient 3I/ATLAS comet is actually an alien ship
A mysterious interstellar object named 3I/ATLAS , discovered on July 1, 2025, has triggered intense discussion among astronomers worldwide. Hurtling through space at over 210,000 km/h and sporting a glowing gas envelope roughly 24 km wide, the object is believed to be billions of years older than our solar system. While many researchers consider it an unusually ancient comet, a provocative theory has come from Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, who suggested it might be more than just ice and dust. In a preprint paper shared on July 16 via arXiv, Loeb — along with a small team of scientists from the UK's Initiative for Interstellar Studies — proposed that 3I/ATLAS could potentially be a technological artifact from an advanced alien civilization. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA Product Management Degree Data Science Data Analytics Technology Public Policy Others Digital Marketing CXO Leadership others Cybersecurity Management MCA Project Management Design Thinking healthcare Healthcare Data Science Finance Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details 'The hypothesis in question is that [31/ATLAS] is a technological artifact, and furthermore has active intelligence. If this is the case, then two possibilities follow. First, that its intentions are entirely benign and second, they are malign,' Dr. Loeb, Adam Drowl, and Adam Hibberd, wrote in a paper published on July 17. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Raisinghnagar: 1 Trick to Reduce Belly Fat? Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Loeb later clarified that the idea is a 'pedagogical exercise' rather than a confirmed theory, he warned that if the hypothesis were true, it could lend credibility to the Dark Forest hypothesis — the unsettling notion that alien civilizations stay silent to avoid hostile contact. In a blog post, he cautioned that the consequences for humanity could be dire if we were indeed being observed. Other scientists have pushed back firmly. Darryl Seligman of Michigan State University and Samantha Lawler from the University of Regina have both emphasized that 3I/ATLAS exhibits classical cometary features. Lawler called it 'an ordinary comet ejected from another solar system,' dismissing the alien technology theory as unlikely. Live Events Who is Avi Loeb? Avi Loeb is one of the most well-known — and controversial — voices in astrophysics today. He serves as the Frank B. Baird, Jr., Professor of Science at Harvard University, and is the Director of the Institute for Theory and Computation at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Loeb also leads the Galileo Project , which seeks scientific evidence of extraterrestrial technology near Earth. Born in Israel, Loeb earned his PhD in physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem by the age of 24. He went on to become a long-term member of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton and has contributed over 1,000 scientific papers, with an h-index of 131. He has written several popular books, including Extraterrestrial and Interstellar , which explore the possibility of alien life and humanity's place in the cosmos. Loeb previously chaired Harvard's Department of Astronomy (2011–2020) and helped launch the Black Hole Initiative. He has advised institutions ranging from the White House's President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) to the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative, a project aimed at interstellar travel. Loeb is known not only for his academic achievements but also for his willingness to challenge conventional thinking — especially on the subject of extraterrestrial intelligence . Whether or not 3I/ATLAS proves to be a sign of alien life, Avi Loeb has once again sparked a global conversation.
Economic Times
30-07-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
3I/ATLAS Interstellar Comet or Alien Spacecraft? Here's complete truth
iStock NASA confirms 3I/ATLAS as an interstellar object; some scientists suggest it may be alien in origin. 3I/ATLAS Interstellar Comet or Alien Spacecraft? Let's find out. In July 2025, astronomers identified a new object passing through the solar system. Named 3I/ATLAS, this interstellar object became the subject of global attention. While it is officially classified as a comet, one team of researchers has introduced a controversial idea: Could it be an alien spacecraft? The debate raises questions about what we know about space and what may lie beyond.3I/ATLAS was first observed in July 2025 by a telescope in Chile that is part of NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). The telescope initially detected what appeared to be an unknown asteroid. The discovery was reported to the Minor Planet Center. Follow-up observations confirmed the object was a comet, later named 3I/ATLAS. Scientists established that it had interstellar origins, making it the third known object to enter the solar system from beyond. Also Read: Denise Richards Aaron Phypers Ugly Court Battle: Star accuses estranged husband of… Here's what she said NASA estimates that 3I/ATLAS is more than 12 miles wide. It is traveling at 37 miles per second relative to the Sun. On October 30, 2025, it will come within about 130 million miles of Earth. Most scientists agree that 3I/ATLAS has the features of a typical icy comet. These include a trajectory and speed consistent with other known interstellar astrophysicist Avi Loeb and two other researchers recently released a paper suggesting an alternate possibility. Published on July 16, 2025, on the preprint server arXiv, the paper questions whether 3I/ATLAS could be alien is known for encouraging scientists to consider extraterrestrial explanations. He co-founded the Galileo Project, which focuses on scientifically searching for alien a blog post, Loeb described the paper as a 'pedagogical exercise.' He explained that it explores the unusual trajectory of the object and does not claim a definitive conclusion. He also noted that the hypothesis suggests that intelligent civilizations might avoid detection to protect themselves from cosmic experts have dismissed the theory. Chris Lintott, an Oxford University astronomer involved in tracing 3I/ATLAS's origin, called the alien theory 'nonsense' in a statement to Live Science. He emphasized that it distracts from ongoing himself admitted that the object is most likely a natural comet. However, he believes that exploring different possibilities can lead to scientific discovery. Also Read: Leagues Cup 2025 New Format Explained: Start, end date, teams, structure, grouping, rules, points system, ranking, tickets, how to watch and stream online This is not the first time Loeb has made such claims. In 2017, he suggested that the interstellar object Oumuamua could be alien technology. The object had a strange shape and accelerated near the Sun. Loeb proposed that it moved like a light sail, a method that could be used by intelligent 2023, Loeb recovered fragments from a meteor labeled IM1 that struck Earth in 2014. He claimed the metallic spherules found off Papua New Guinea were interstellar and unmatched by known solar system alloys. The origin—natural or artificial—remains 3I/ATLAS, only two other interstellar objects had been confirmed. Oumuamua was detected in 2017. Comet Borisov passed through in 2019. Both sparked discussions among scientists about what they could tell us about other star systems. What is 3I/ATLAS and why is it important? 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet observed in 2025. It is only the third known object to enter our solar system from beyond, raising questions about cosmic activity. Did scientists confirm 3I/ATLAS is an alien spacecraft? No. Most scientists believe it is a comet. One theory by Avi Loeb explores the idea of alien origin but is not backed by evidence or peer-reviewed.
