Are aliens coming? Scientists respond to claims of incoming spacecraft
Are aliens really planning to attack Earth (photo: Freepik)
The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, also known as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS), was discovered on July 1, 2025, using the ATLAS telescope system. According to scientists, this new object has entered the Solar System and is significantly larger than its predecessors. Some researchers believe it could be a rocket, while others suggest it may be an alien probe or spacecraft. Here's what researchers observed in space and whether there is any real threat of an alien ship attacking Earth.
What scientists say
A new but controversial scientific paper suggests the hypothesis that the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, discovered on July 1, 2025, might be a "hostile alien probe."
The authors of this paper, Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb and two of his colleagues, draw attention to its high speed (about 130,000-140,000 mph) and unusual trajectory, which brings it close to Mars, Jupiter, and Venus.
They also point to the object's size and the absence of typical cometary gases in its spectrum. The astrophysicist believes that the object's trajectory is suitable for gravitational maneuvers that would allow for covert observation of Earth.
Most likely, this is just a comet, but the authors propose alternative hypotheses for further research.
However, most astronomers, including Samantha Lawler, strongly criticize these versions as unsubstantiated and distracting, emphasizing that all observations point to a natural celestial body.
In addition, the object emits no radio signals, and there is no evidence of it being active, no signs of maneuvering or artificial movement, which would otherwise suggest it's not just "space debris" but truly a sort of device.
There is another important point: the unknown object will come closest to the Sun on October 29, at which time Earth will be on the opposite side. That's why the object will be out of view from Earth, and observations will have to stop for at least two months.
What object was seen, and where is it headed
Object 3I/ATLAS is the third known interstellar visitor to our solar system (after Oumuamua and Borisov). It is estimated to be up to 15 miles in size, which is larger than Manhattan.
It is on a trajectory toward the Sun and will pass by Venus, Mars, and Jupiter before disappearing behind solar glare.
Its immense speed and strange orbit have sparked speculation about a reconnaissance probe, but this remains just a theory. Scientists are continuing to study the mysterious object and are gathering all possible information about the “visitor” using telescopes.
Is there really a threat of an alien attack?
Scientific explanation:
The "hostile probe" hypothesis is purely speculative. No signal emissions or abnormal behavior have been detected. 3I/ATLAS behaves like a typical cometary object.
The authors described their research as an "educational exercise," not a definitive claim. Loeb himself says that it is most likely just a comet.
About the danger of asteroids:
Earth regularly tracks potentially hazardous objects. Over 97% of asteroids larger than 1 km are already known, and none pose a threat of impact for centuries.
For smaller objects, rapid detection systems and threat-deflection methods are being developed, such as the DART mission.
So, should people on Earth be worried?
There is no need to worry. There is no evidence that 3I/ATLAS is an artificial structure, and the possibility of an attack is nearly zero.
No scientific body has announced any threat of attack or malicious intent. This is not a position of NASA or ESA but a private, non-peer-reviewed hypothesis.
Our planetary defense system is working. Scientists are already identifying almost all potentially dangerous objects and developing protection plans.
Earlier, we reported that the CIA disclosed details of Soviet military encounters with aliens.
Sources: Live Science, New York Post, Futurism, Unilad, Wikipedia
