The third known interstellar object to visit our solar system, 3I/Atlas, is sparking extraordinary scientific debate. According to Harvard scientist Avi Loeb, the so-called “comet” could be something far more unusual — possibly a piece of alien technology.
What is the ‘Trojan Horse’ Theory?
In a detailed blog post, Professor Loeb outlined a “low-probability scenario” where 3I/Atlas could be a “Trojan Horse.” This Greek mythological metaphor raises the possibility that the item is a technology probe disguising itself as a harmless natural comet. He assigns a 30-40% likelihood that 3I/Atlas “does not have a fully natural origin,” a figure he admits could change with more data.
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What Are the Anomalies Pointing to Alien Tech?
Loeb’s hypothesis is based on seven puzzling anomalies exhibited by 3I/Atlas. First, its immense size and mass are far greater than previous interstellar visitors. Second, he claims that its remarkable speed of 60,000 km/sec is out of the ordinary for a cosmic object of its size. Third, it first displayed a “anti-tail” pointing in the direction of the Sun instead of the conventional cometary tail.
What Other Clues Have Scientists Found?
Further anomalies make the object even more mysterious. The gas plume around 3I/Atlas is rich in nickel, a composition Loeb compares to industrial alloys. It may produce its own light, as evidenced by the intensely negative polarization of the light it reflects. The most fascinating aspect of it is that its course is strangely accurate, nearly matching the planetary plane of our solar system and allowing for close flybys of several planets, which is statistically impossible.
Could It Be Linked to a Famous Alien Signal?
Adding to the mystery, Loeb points out a cosmic coincidence. The renowned “Wow! Signal,” a strong, inexplicable radio signal discovered in 1977, seems to have come from the same area of space as 3I/Atlas’ journey. Though hypothetical, this relationship raises the possibility that the object was the cause of that transmission decades ago.
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What Happens Next?
The scientific community is now eagerly awaiting more data. Similar to 3I/Atlas’ voyage, the famous “Wow! Signal,” a powerful, unexplainable radio signal found in 1977, appears to have originated from the same region of space. This association, however speculative, suggests that the object may have caused that transfer decades ago.
Disclaimer: The views and likelihoods expressed are those of Professor Avi Loeb and represent a scientific hypothesis that is yet to be proven.
