Harvard Astrophysicist Suggests Massive Comet in Solar System Might Be Alien Technology

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Harvard Astrophysicist Suggests Massive Comet in Solar System Might Be Alien Technology

Mystery Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: Potential Alien Artifact Heading Towards Earth

Comet 3I/ATLAS: A Phenomenal Discovery

A recently discovered comet, 3I/ATLAS, traveling through our solar system has captured the fascination of the scientific community. Originally believed to be a typical interstellar comet, new findings suggest it is significantly larger than first thought. Esteemed astrophysicist Avi Loeb theorizes it could even be an artifact of alien technology.

Unraveling the Comet’s Massive Size

Weighing over 33 billion tons and stretching at least 3.1 miles across, 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object known to visit our solar system, following Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. In a blog post, Loeb explained that the comet’s size and mass exceed initial expectations, prompting further investigation into its origins and potential technological implications.

Key Observations and Findings

Detections made in July have shown that the comet is shedding significant volumes of carbon dioxide and dust during its rapid journey toward the Sun. A detailed analysis by Loeb and his team suggests a slight “non-gravitational acceleration” caused by outgassing, hinting at a heftier composition than early models indicated.

  • 3I/ATLAS outmasses the previously observed Oumuamua and Borisov by orders of magnitude.
  • The comet’s trajectory is influenced by substantial outgassing activities.
  • Potential implications of being an alien probe are under consideration.

Upcoming Celestial Encounters

3I/ATLAS is anticipated to pass within 1.67 million miles of Mars’ orbit next week, while also approaching Jupiter and Venus. The proximity offers a unique opportunity for further observations to assess its true nature.

Calls for Extended Monitoring

Loeb has advocated for NASA to utilize the HiRISE camera on its Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to capture detailed imagery of the comet. Even a single, bright pixel could refine estimates of its size and structure.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Debate

Avi Loeb emphasizes the importance of not judging 3I/ATLAS merely based on surface compositions, similar to the cautionary advice not to judge a book by its cover. As the comet continues its journey through our solar system, its mysterious nature fuels ongoing discussions and research within the astronomical community.

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