A new study suggests that a mysterious Manhattan-sized object could be a hostile alien spacecraft capable of attacking Earth. Share this article Share this article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy link Link copied Bookmark Comments
Astronomers are excited to see a huge, mysterious object hurtling through space. In a report that will excite anyone eager to meet aliens, a new study hasn't ruled out the possibility that it could be an alien spacecraft. But the sensational research doesn't end there: The scientists add that whoever is piloting it may be aiming for Earth, with a possible approach in November.
Earlier this month, experts confirmed the sighting of an unusual interstellar object. The object, called 3I/Atlas, is only the third of its kind ever discovered. It is moving through our solar system at incredible speeds.
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A draft of a scientific paper dated July 22 made the bizarre suggestion that the object could be a piece of alien technology preparing a surprise attack on our planet. The researchers speculate that 3I/Atlas' orbit is such that it would allow an intelligent alien craft to approach Earth undetected.
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The report's authors claim that when the object reaches its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) in late November, it will become invisible from Earth.
They claim this would allow it to perform a stealthy high-speed maneuver to slow down and remain in the solar system, which the authors believe would allow it to secretly stage an attack.
In another unusual observation, they highlight that 3I/Atlas is moving on an unusual trajectory, passing very close to planets such as Venus, Mars and Jupiter. The report claims that this is so unlikely that the probability of its occurrence is less than 0.005% by chance.
One of the authors of the paper, which was not peer-reviewed, is Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist known for his controversial research and outspoken views on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
He gained public attention by suggesting that the 2017 interstellar object known as 'Oumuamua could be an artificial probe created by an alien civilization. His conclusion was based on its unusual acceleration and shape.
Its co-authors are Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl of the Interstellar Research Initiative in London. The authors noted that their work is purely hypothetical and does not necessarily reflect reality.
They write: “This paper is based on a remarkable but, as we will show, testable hypothesis that the authors do not necessarily endorse but which certainly deserves analysis and reporting.”
However, in the study they warn: “The consequences, if the hypothesis turns out to be true, could potentially be dire for humanity and may require protective measures (although they may prove futile).”
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The study also notes: “This hypothesis is itself an interesting exercise, and its exploration is enjoyable regardless of its probable validity.”
The object, now officially named 3I/Atlas (previously known as A11pl3Z), is thought to have originated from a distant star system and is moving at more than 60 kilometers per second.
3I/Atlas was first discovered on July 1 by the Asteroid Terrestrial Alert System (ATLAS) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile.
It is estimated to be between 10 and 20 kilometers wide, although it may be smaller if it is composed primarily of reflective ice.
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Sourse: www.express.co.uk
