NASA’s discovery of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has sparked global interest after Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb suggested it could be a form of alien technology. Detected on July 1, 2025, the comet is only the third known interstellar object to pass through our solar system. While NASA confirmed that 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth, Loeb and other researchers argue that its unique chemical and physical properties set it apart from natural space objects, warranting a deeper investigation.

Among Loeb’s seven reasons are its unusual chemical composition, such as the emission of nickel without iron—an anomaly in natural comets—and the presence of nickel tetracarbonyl, a compound associated with industrial processes on Earth. Additionally, the comet’s anti-solar tail and shifting orientation suggest potential controlled movement, while its hyperbolic trajectory confirms that it originated from beyond our solar system. Its massive size and surface characteristics also challenge conventional explanations about interstellar debris.

As the comet makes its closest approach to the Sun between October 29 and 30, scientists see this as a critical window for study. Spacecraft including NASA’s Psyche and ESA’s JUICE will observe 3I/ATLAS to gather data on its speed, composition, and potential artificial signatures. Whether it turns out to be a natural interstellar traveler or evidence of extraterrestrial engineering, the comet could help unlock new insights into the origins of our solar system—and perhaps, our place in the universe.