Thomas Unise
Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb has been questioning the nature of interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, suggesting it could potentially be technological in origin rather than a natural comet as most experts believe.
The Controversy Over 3I/ATLAS
Since 3I/ATLAS was first detected traveling through our solar system, Loeb has documented what he considers anomalous qualities of the object. These include its unusually large suspected size, a rotation axis nearly perpendicular to the Sun, and a trajectory that brought it close to both Mars and Jupiter.
While the scientific consensus maintains that 3I/ATLAS is simply a natural comet from another star system, Loeb has been critical of NASA for what he perceives as dismissing his documented anomalies. He previously accused NASA of withholding observations from its Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter during the object’s closest approach to Mars, though these images were eventually released in November.
CIA’s Secretive Response
Loeb recently highlighted that ufologist John Greenewald Jr.’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request regarding 3I/ATLAS received an unusual response from the CIA. The agency stated it would “neither confirm nor deny the existence or nonexistence of records” related to the object.
This non-answer puzzled Loeb, who questioned why the CIA would treat information about what NASA has declared a natural comet as potentially classified material. Greenewald, who founded The Black Vault archive of government documents related to UFOs, is known for uncovering declassified materials through FOIA requests.
Potential Security Concerns
Loeb speculates that government agencies might have investigated whether 3I/ATLAS could pose a national security threat. He has previously suggested the possibility of a “black swan event” where an alien probe could potentially masquerade as a natural object – what he calls a “Trojan Horse” scenario.
The astronomer theorizes that discussions about such possibilities might be “hidden from public view” to prevent unnecessary panic, despite the low probability of such an event.
Scientific Evidence
As more data becomes available, Loeb’s theory that 3I/ATLAS might be technological in nature continues to face challenges from the scientific community. Most evidence supports the conclusion that it is indeed a natural object.
Loeb maintains that further observation is necessary, particularly as the object makes its closest approach to Jupiter in March, stating, “Unless we check, we might never know if this swan is white or black.”
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