Rabat – Scientists have discovered a new interstellar object named Comet 31/ATLAS, which is projected to reach Earth by November 2025.
This discovery marks it as the third known object to originate from outside our solar system. Researchers are currently investigating the comet’s size, physical properties, and trajectory back to its origin.
Avi Loeb, a Harvard astronomer and chair of the astronomy department, suggests that Comet 31/ATLAS could be an engineered object.
He points out that the brightness of the object implies a diameter of approximately 20 kilometers, explaining that such a massive object would be unusual for interstellar space, as there isn’t enough rocky material available to produce it regularly.
Unlike typical comets, it does not have a trailing tail, raising further questions about its nature.
Loeb mentioned that while the comet will approach Earth, it may not be visible when it does so. He explained that the Earth will be on the opposite side of the Sun at that time, which could hinder observations.
Other astrophysicists have offered natural explanations for its characteristics, but Loeb has previously theorized about the alien origin of other interstellar objects, including Oumuamua in 2017, and a meteor discovered in 2023.
On August 7, Loeb discussed these findings with CNN, expressing his belief that 31/ATLAS could have extraterrestrial origins. “It doesn’t look like a very common thing,” he emphasized, highlighting that humanity has never encountered an object of this kind before.
Current estimates suggest that the object is over 12 miles wide, contributing to the excitement and intrigue surrounding its potential significance.
