Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Larger Than Expected, Raises Alien Probe Speculation

A recently detected interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, heading toward the inner solar system is far larger than initially believed, according to Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb. The comet is estimated to weigh over 33 billion tons and span at least 3.1 miles, making it far bigger than the previous interstellar visitors Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov.

Loeb has suggested that the comet could potentially be an artifact of alien technology, noting its unusual mass and behavior. Observations show 3I/ATLAS shedding significant amounts of carbon dioxide and dust, and calculations indicate slight “non-gravitational acceleration” due to outgassing, implying a heavier nucleus than previously thought.

The comet will pass within 1.67 million miles of Mars’ orbit next week, also approaching Jupiter and Venus. Loeb has called on NASA to use the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to observe the object and better estimate its true size.

While scientists caution that 3I/ATLAS is likely a natural body, its unprecedented size and trajectory continue to attract attention and speculation about its origins.