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News18
28-07-2025
- Science
- News18
Is Earth In Danger? Mystery Object May Be ‘Hostile' Alien Spacecraft Approaching Our Planet
The mystery object is on a stealth path through the inner Solar System, and Earth's fastest rockets aren't nearly quick enough to intercept it A strange object the size of a small city is hurtling through our Solar System, and a team of scientists think it might not be just a comet. In fact, they're toying with a far more dramatic possibility: that it could be alien technology, potentially even 'hostile", hiding behind the Sun. The object, officially named 3I/ATLAS (and earlier known as A11pl3Z), was first spotted on July 1 by a telescope in Chile. Within 24 hours, scientists confirmed it had come from outside our Solar System, making it just the third known interstellar visitor ever recorded, according to Live Science. It's not small either. Estimates say it measures 10 to 20 kilometres wide, making it potentially larger in area than Manhattan, and it's tearing through space at over 130,000 mph (60 km per second). Over the next few months, it's expected to swing past Jupiter, Mars and Venus, before disappearing behind the Sun in late November, out of sight from Earth. Is It Just A Rock Or Something More? A new, non-peer-reviewed scientific paper published on July 16 has turned heads for suggesting that this might not be a comet at all, but an extraterrestrial spacecraft on a stealth mission. The study was written by Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, known for his bold claims about alien life, along with researchers Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London. They're not claiming this is definitely alien, but they are proposing a testable theory. In their words, it's 'an interesting exercise in its own right," worth exploring 'irrespective of its likely validity." Still, they warn that if the theory does hold true, the consequences could be serious, even requiring 'defensive measures," though they admit those might not be effective. A Suspicious Flight Path? So why the suspicion? Loeb and his co-authors point to the object's trajectory, which is oddly precise. It's moving faster than the last interstellar visitor, ʻOumuamua', and it entered the Solar System from a different angle, which, they suggest, could offer 'various benefits to an extraterrestrial intelligence." Even more puzzling, the object's orbital path is aligned with Earth's within just 5 degrees. Loeb told Newsweek that the odds of this happening randomly are only 0.2 per cent. In his view, this could mean the object is deliberately targeting the inner Solar System, something one might expect from alien tech. Then there's the route itself. 3I/ATLAS is set to make close passes by three major planets — Venus, Mars and Jupiter — which scientists say is highly improbable without calculated guidance. According to the Mirror UK, the chances of such a path occurring by chance are less than 0.005 per cent. The timing also raises eyebrows. In late November, the object will pass behind the Sun, making it invisible to Earth-based telescopes. Loeb speculates this might not be a coincidence. 'This could be intentional to avoid detailed observations from Earth-based telescopes when the object is brightest or when gadgets are sent to Earth from that hidden vantage point," he wrote in a blog post. They even suggest the planetary flybys could allow for 'gadgets" to be planted, spy tech dropped off on Mars, Venus or Jupiter en route. Unfortunately, even if Earth wanted to investigate, we simply can't catch up. Loeb notes that our fastest rockets can only reach a third of 3I/ATLAS's speed, making a rendezvous impossible with current technology. The theory has sparked curiosity online, but not everyone is convinced. Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at Canada's University of Regina, says the evidence points clearly to a natural comet, one that was simply ejected from another solar system, as billions of others likely have been. Others were more critical. Chris Lintott from the University of Oxford, who helped trace the object's galactic origin, dismissed the alien theory outright, calling it 'nonsense on stilts" and saying it undermines the real science being done by teams worldwide. Even Loeb concedes the most probable explanation is that 3I/ATLAS is just another icy interstellar wanderer. 'By far, the most likely outcome will be that 3I/ATLAS is a completely natural interstellar object, probably a comet," he said. This Isn't Loeb's First Rodeo This isn't the first time Loeb has floated the idea of alien probes in our cosmic neighbourhood. Back in 2022, he revived global buzz around ʻOumuamua', the cigar-shaped interstellar object spotted in 2017. He suggested it could be a 'lightsail" — a spacecraft powered by light particles — or even a deliberately sent probe from an alien civilisation. 'Oumuamua may be a fully operational probe sent intentionally to Earth vicinity by an alien civilisation," he wrote at the time. So What Now? For now, astronomers across the world are closely tracking 3I/ATLAS as it continues its journey toward the Sun. Whether it turns out to be a piece of cosmic spyware or just an unusually fast space rock, it has already reignited one of humanity's oldest questions — are we really alone out here? About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : alien invasion comet spacecraft view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 28, 2025, 14:01 IST News world Is Earth In Danger? Mystery Object May Be 'Hostile' Alien Spacecraft Approaching Our Planet Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Daily Record
26-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Record
Manhattan-sized object spotted in space 'could be alien spacecraft heading to attack Earth'
A draft scientific paper has proposed that the object, 3I/ATLAS, might be alien technology and could make a surprise attack on our planet An object the size of Manhattan could potentially be a hostile alien spacecraft set to attack Earth in November, according to a worrying recent study. Earlier this month, experts confirmed the sighting of a rare interstellar visitor, only the third ever detected, speeding through our Solar System at an incredible pace. The comet is known as 3I/ATLAS, and was formerly referred to as A11pl3Z. A draft scientific paper published on Tuesday suggests that the object might actually be extraterrestrial technology planning a surprise attack on our planet. The researchers propose that the object's orbit is such that it would allow an intelligent alien craft to approach Earth undetected. The report alleges that when it reaches its closest point to the Sun in late November, the object will be concealed from Earth's view, enabling it to execute a covert high-speed manoeuvre to decelerate and remain in the Solar System, secretly preparing for an attack. Scientists note that 3I/ATLAS follows an unusual trajectory that brings it very close to planets like Venus, Mars, and Jupiter, an event highly unlikely to occur by chance, with less than a 0.005 per cent probability, reports the Mirror. One of the authors of the paper, which has yet to undergo peer review, is Avi Loeb, a renowned Harvard astrophysicist recognised for his controversial research and outspoken views on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. He gained widespread attention for suggesting that the 2017 interstellar object 'Oumuamua might be an artificial probe created by an alien civilisation, based on its unusual acceleration and shape His co-authors are Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London. The authors emphasise that their paper is a theoretical exercise rather than a reflection of their personal beliefs. They state: "This paper is contingent on a remarkable but, as we shall show, testable hypothesis, to which the authors do not necessarily ascribe, yet is certainly worthy of an analysis and a report." However, the authors warn: "The consequences, should the hypothesis turn out to be correct, could potentially be dire for humanity, and would possibly require defensive measures to be undertaken (though these might prove futile)." The study further adds: "The hypothesis is an interesting exercise in its own right, and is fun to pursue, irrespective of its likely validity." The celestial body, now officially named 3I/ATLAS (), is thought to originate from a distant star system and is hurtling through space at speeds exceeding 60 kilometres per second. The object was initially detected on July 1 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey telescope located in Río Hurtado, Chile. It's estimated that 3I/ATLAS measures between 10 and 20 kilometres across, although it could appear smaller if it's largely made up of reflective ice. Last month, a Scottish teenager was left stunned after spotting a 'UFO' in the skies over Midlothian. Kyle Jackson, 16, and his two pals saw the mysterious floating object overhead at around 11.10pm on Friday, June 6. The trio were walking near Newbattle High School in Easthouses, just outside Edinburgh, when they looked up and were left gobsmacked by what they saw. Kyle said the round and "completely silent" black object appeared to be moving below the clouds at speeds faster than a plane. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Hindustan Times
26-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
‘Hostile' alien spacecraft to attack Earth this November? Study makes shocking claim
A 'hostile' alien spacecraft could be slated to attack the planet in November, claims a controversial new study. Initial observations suggested 3I/ATLAS could be a comet measuring up to 15 meters in diameter -- which would make it larger than Manhattan.(X/@MAstronomers) A small group of scientists have said that a mysterious intergalactic object might pose a threat. "The consequences, should the hypothesis turn out to be correct, could potentially be dire for humanity," they wrote in the paper published on July 16. What is the hostile alien spacecraft? They are speaking of 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar entity discovered on July 1. The object is moving towards the sun at 130,000 mph, Live Science reported. It was confirmed as an interstellar object less than 24 hours later, and initial observations suggested it could be a comet measuring up to 15 meters in diameter -- which would make it larger than Manhattan. Scientists speaking to the publication, however, have dismissed the findings of this inflammatory paper. The trio, there, suggest that this object might be a piece of alien spy technology. Among them is Avi Loeb, the Harvard astrophysicist who has a reputation for linking extraterrestrial objects to alien life. He had earlier posited in 2017 that interstellar object ʻOumuamua might be an artificial alien recon probe, based on its shape and acceleration. For the 2025 study, Loeb collaborated with Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl of the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London, positing that 3I/ATLAS's trajectory suggests an alien origin as well. As per the trio, the object's speed -- significantly faster than that of ʻOumuamua and other objects-- coupled with the fact that it entered our solar system from a different angle than its predecessors offer "various benefits to an extraterrestrial intelligence," Loeb wrote in a blog post. Also Read | Scientists find strongest evidence yet of life on an alien planet As per Loeb, 3I/ATLAS will make close approaches to Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, which could allow aliens to sneakily plant spy 'gadgets' there. Then, when this supposed undercover UFO reaches its closest to the Sun (perihelion) in late November, it will be hidden from earth's view. "This could be intentional to avoid detailed observations from Earth-based telescopes when the object is brightest or when gadgets are sent to Earth from that hidden vantage point," Loeb said. If this anomaly turns out to be a 'technological artifiact' it could support the dark forest hypothesis, which argues that humans have not found signs of extraterrestrial entities yet because they remain undercover to shield themselves from predators or prey. Loeb has also warned that an attack is likely and would 'possibly require defensive measures to be undertaken.' Given that the 3I/ATLAS is travelling too fast for an Earth-based spacecraft to intercept it before it exits the solar system, "It is therefore impractical for earthlings to land on 3I/ATLAS at closest approach by boarding chemical rockets, since our best rockets reach at most a third of that speed," Loeb wrote. Meanwhile, the paper -- yet to be peer reviewed -- has been panned by some scientists, with Loeb himself admitting in the blog that the alien spy probe theory is a bit far-fetched. "By far, the most likely outcome will be that 3I/ATLAS is a completely natural interstellar object, probably a comet," he noted.
Daily Mirror
25-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mirror
Mystery object spotted in space 'may be alien spacecraft coming to attack Earth'
A new research paper, written by a prominent Harvard astrophysicist, has claimed a mystery object in our Solar System could be an alien spacecraft which may attack Earth in just months A mysterious object the size of Manhattan could be a hostile alien spacecraft and may attack Earth in November, according to a new study. Earlier this month, experts confirmed the discovery of a rare interstellar visitor, the third ever detected, hurtling through our Solar System at extraordinary speed. A draft scientific paper, which was published on Tuesday, has proposed that the object, 3I/ATLAS, might be alien technology and could make a surprise attack on our planet. The researchers suggest the object's orbit is such that it would make it easier for an intelligent alien craft to approach Earth without being noticed. The report claims that when it gets closest to the Sun in late November, the object will be hidden from Earth's view, allowing it to carry out a secret high-speed manoeuvre to slow down and stay in the Solar System to secretly prepare for an attack. Scientists add that 3I/ATLAS has an unusual path that comes very close to planets like Venus, Mars and Jupiter, something very unlikely to happen by chance, with less than 0.005% probability. One of the authors of the paper, which is not yet peer-reviewed, is Avi Loeb, a prominent Harvard astrophysicist known for his provocative research and outspoken views on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. He gained widespread attention for suggesting the 2017 interstellar object ʻOumuamua might be an artificial probe created by an alien civilisation, based on its unusual acceleration and shape. His co-authors are Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies in London. The authors make it clear that their paper is purely from a hypothetical point of view and not necessarily something they believe to be true. They write: "This paper is contingent on a remarkable but, as we shall show, testable hypothesis, to which the authors do not necessarily ascribe, yet is certainly worthy of an analysis and a report." However, they warn in the study: "The consequences, should the hypothesis turn out to be correct, could potentially be dire for humanity, and would possibly require defensive measures to be undertaken (though these might prove futile)." The study goes on to say: "The hypothesis is an interesting exercise in its own right, and is fun to pursue, irrespective of its likely validity." The object, now officially designated 3I/ATLAS (previously known as A11pl3Z), is believed to have come from a distant star system and is travelling at over 60 kilometres per second. 3I/ATLAS was first spotted on July 1 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey telescope at Río Hurtado, Chile. Estimates suggest it could be between 10 and 20 kilometres wide, though it may be smaller if composed mostly of reflective ice.
