A new scientific study has raised concerns about a strange object in space called Comet 3I/ATLAS that might pose a serious threat to Earth and humanity. Space is full of unusual objects, but this one has caught the attention of experts because it behaves unlike anything usually seen.
Known as an “interstellar interloper,” 3I/ATLAS was spotted on July 1 moving toward the sun at over 130,000 miles per hour. Initial observations suggested it might be a comet about 15 miles wide—larger than Manhattan in New York City. Despite this, NASA has stated that the comet is not dangerous, and it will stay far away from us, coming no closer than about 170 million miles.
Still, some scientists behind the new paper warn that if their theory is correct, the consequences for humanity could be very serious. They believe the object might come near Earth in late November or early December.
Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, one of the study’s authors, suggested the comet’s orbit could be designed to avoid detection, potentially hiding its true nature. While Loeb admits current space travel can’t reach the object due to its speed, he encourages further observations to understand it better and disprove the idea if possible.
This mysterious visitor from outside our solar system reminds us how much there is still to discover—and how cautious we must be about the unknown.
