3I/ATLAS, comet and Interstellar
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A Harvard astrophysicist who believes the Manhattan-sized comet hurtling towards Earth could possibly be fueled by alien technology has invited Kim Kardashian to join his research team — after she got a quick response from the federal government.
A Harvard University professor has said that 3I/ATLAS experienced a sudden "nongravitational" acceleration while passing around the sun.
I/ATLAS is the third-known interstellar object to enter our solar system. It was discovered on 1 July 2025 by the ATLAS telescope in Chile, travelling at over 210,000 kilometres per hour.
What: Comet 3I/ATLAS reached perihelion on October 30, 2025. This special SETI Live explored what scientists have learned about its origin, chemistry, and trajectory as it passes through our Solar System.
"The implication of alien technology would be huge and therefore we must take it seriously,” Harvard's Avi Loeb told Newsweek.
I/ATLAS has captured the attention of space enthusiasts and researchers with its unusual features. The interstellar object is expected to make another appearance soon, promising fresh insights into its behavior.
Scientists believe 3I/ATLAS contains significant amounts of carbon dioxide, similar to comets formed in cold, distant star systems.
Astronomers are baffled by 3I/ATLAS, a newly discovered interstellar object that appears to be defying the basic laws of celestial motion. Instead of drifting naturally through space, the mysterious body is exhibiting non-gravitational acceleration — behaviour some researchers suggest could indicate an engine-driven propulsion system.