Is 3I/ATLAS an alien probe? Harvard's hunt for answers heats up

A mysterious object hurtling through the solar system has sparked debate among scientists. Named 3I/ATLAS, it was first spotted moving at an extraordinary speed of nearly 60 kilometres per second. Now, Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb is leading an investigation to determine whether it is a natural comet—or something far more unusual.

Images of 3I/ATLAS reveal strange features: a glowing, misty cloud surrounding it and a narrow, jet-like exhaust pointing directly toward the Sun. These details have raised questions about its origins and purpose. Loeb, along with co-author Mauro Barbieri, has called on astronomers worldwide to focus their telescopes on the object on January 22, 2026, when it will align perfectly with Earth and the Sun.

Observing its so-called 'anti-tail'—a rare phenomenon seen in some comets—could provide vital clues about its composition. But Loeb's theory goes further. He suggests that if 3I/ATLAS enters orbit around Jupiter and releases a probe, it would be almost certain proof of artificial origin.

To gather more evidence, Loeb is seeking data from NASA's Juno probe, which will still be operating near Jupiter as its mission winds down in 2026. If the object's path aligns with Juno's instruments, the probe could perform spectral analysis, thermal imaging, and trajectory tracking. Key signs of artificial design might include unusual emission spectra, geometric shapes, metallic signatures, or acceleration patterns that defy natural cometary behaviour.

Loeb has even speculated that 3I/ATLAS could eventually become a moon of Jupiter. If it then deploys a smaller probe into the planet's atmosphere, he argues, it would be one of the most significant discoveries in space exploration history.

The investigation into 3I/ATLAS hinges on observations in early 2026. If the object displays artificial characteristics or unusual manoeuvres, it could redefine our understanding of interstellar visitors. For now, scientists are preparing to collect as much data as possible when the object comes into clear view.