The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is poised to reach its perihelion—the closest point to the Sun on its trajectory—on October 29, 2025. Currently positioned on the opposite side of the Sun relative to Earth, the object has drawn attention for its unusual path through the solar system. While most scientists classify it as a natural comet composed of carbon dioxide ice, Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb has proposed an alternative theory, suggesting it could be an extraterrestrial “mothership” sent by an advanced civilization.
Loeb highlights the object’s peculiar trajectory, noting its proximity to planets like Mars, Venus, and Jupiter, which he describes as potentially more than mere coincidences. He warns, “If you want to take a vacation, take it before [October 29], because who knows what will happen?” Loeb speculates that the object might use the Sun’s gravitational pull to alter its speed, referencing the Oberth effect, and suggests it could release mini-probes during its closest approach.
NASA scientist Tom Statler has dismissed Loeb’s hypothesis, stating, “It looks like a comet. It does comet things. It very, very strongly resembles, in just about every way, the comets that we know.” However, Statler acknowledges some unique properties that differentiate 3I/ATLAS from typical solar system comets.
Loeb admits the likelihood of the object being technologically advanced is low but emphasizes the need for scientific rigor. “As of now, 3I/ATLAS appears most likely to be a natural comet,” he wrote, while cautioning against ignoring the remote possibility of an Oberth maneuver as a “black swan event” with profound implications.
