A Harvard scientist, who has been in disagreement with NASA over a mysterious object approaching Earth, has now commented on the possibility that it might contain alien intelligence.
NASA identifies the object, dubbed 3I/ATLAS, as a comet originating from beyond our solar system.
However, physicist Avi Loeb holds a different perspective.
As the object continues its approach, expected to pass Earth at around 170 million miles, Loeb has articulated his views, suggesting that what appears to be the ‘tail’ of the comet could, in fact, be a ‘fictitious elongation of the image as a result of the object’s motion.’
Consequently, Loeb considers the possibility that the object may be engineered rather than a natural formation. Furthermore, he has broached the idea that it might harbor ‘alien intelligence.’
Loeb outlines in a recent Medium post that identifying ‘a superior alien intelligence’ involves two considerations.
These considerations are ‘our search effort and how far or silent that intelligence is.’
Loeb elaborates: “There is no doubt that in order to discover signs of alien intelligence we must be open-minded enough to seek it. The opportunities to find a partner on the dating scene scale with the readiness to date and level of effort invested in the search.”
“Of course, success depends also on how close the pool of desired partners is. It makes sense to start with our nearest opportunity.”
To gain a better understanding of 3I/ATLAS, Loeb emphasizes the importance of acquiring ‘as much data as possible’ when the object approaches the Sun, a moment set for October 29, 2025.
At that point, Loeb notes, scientists will be in a position to determine if the object indeed has a tail, which would support the notion of its natural origin.
However, should 3I/ATLAS display ‘signs of intelligence,’ Loeb cautions that ‘the future of humanity will be different from its past.’
As the crucial date draws near, Loeb has also speculated on whether humans might ‘worship’ alien intelligence.
Loeb suggests it is possible, but such a development would necessitate humans establishing ‘some form of communication which translates into a dependent relationship’ with the aliens.
“Having no communication at all with a stranger would trigger a transactional response to ambiguous actions without an understanding of the underlying purpose or meaning of these actions,” he explained.
Before delving into potential communication methods with aliens, it might be prudent to first confirm their existence.