Brace yourselves, Earthlings. A Harvard astrophysicist says something strange is heading our way from the depths of space—and it might not just be a rock.
On August 7, 2025, Dr. Avi Loeb—yes, the same guy who once suggested that the interstellar object ‘Oumuamua could’ve been an alien probe—is sounding the alarms again. This time, it’s over an object called 3I/ATLAS, which was spotted on July 1 by the ATLAS telescope in Chile.
The object is set to make its closest pass to Earth sometime between November 21 and December 5, flying by at a cozy distance of about 150 million miles. Loeb’s not saying we’re definitely under alien surveillance—but he’s also not not saying it.
“It may come to save us or destroy us,” Loeb said, casually, as if he weren’t implying a possible alien doomsday.
Wait… Alien What Now?
Loeb and his co-authors argue that 3I/ATLAS is a little too weird to be just another cosmic pebble. It’s speeding along at over 130,000 mph, has a retrograde orbit almost perfectly aligned with Earth’s, and—spooky music, please—it lacks a cometary tail.
All of this, Loeb claims in a non-peer-reviewed paper, could point to intelligent design. As in: this might not be a natural object. Maybe a “mothership” dropping off little alien drones. Maybe just a very shy alien tourist bus.
The object will be behind the Sun in late October, which, Loeb says, is the perfect time for covert space maneuvers. (It’s also a great time to pretend you didn’t forget a friend’s birthday, but that’s beside the point.)
Scientists: Chill, It’s a Comet
Before you pack your alien survival kit, NASA and other scientists want you to take a deep breath.
Experts like Samantha Lawler from the University of Regina and David Jewitt of UCLA say that 3I/ATLAS is almost certainly a comet, just one with an unusual orbit. Observations show it contains organic molecules and silicates, totally normal comet stuff. No radio signals, no blinking alien lights.
In short: probably not a threat. Probably not a mothership. Probably not even interested in us. (Rude.)
Loeb’s Not Backing Down
Loeb is still pushing for more observation. He’s even floated the idea of using NASA’s Juno spacecraft to check it out near Jupiter in 2026. He’s also rating the object a 6 out of 10 on what he’s calling the “Loeb Scale” for alien weirdness—which is a scale he invented. Because of course he did.
Even Loeb admits it’s likely natural. But just in case it’s not, he says we should be prepared. Think: telescopes, tracking, and maybe brushing up on your alien diplomacy skills.
Social Media Reacts: 👽😬🤔
On X, reactions are… mixed. Some users are fully onboard the alien train, while others are calling this a case of “extraordinary claims, zero evidence.” One user wrote, “If it saves us, cool. If it destroys us, at least I don’t have to finish my student loans.”
Whether it’s a comet or an alien probe, scientists agree on one thing: 3I/ATLAS is worth watching. It may not change life on Earth—but it sure has people talking.
