3I/ATLAS reached the Sun: the key moment to discover its origin

The mysterious 3I/ATLAS reached its closest point to the Sun on October 29, 2025. This event marks a decisive phase to determine whether it is a simple cosmic rock or technology of extraterrestrial origin, as proposed by renowned astrophysicist Avi Loeb.

During the perihelion (the closest point to the Sun), the object was located at 203 million kilometers (126 million miles), completing half of its journey through the Solar System. According to Loeb, this is the ideal moment for a spacecraft to use the Sun's gravitational boost and perform maneuvers.

Natural comet or interstellar spacecraft?

The Harvard researcher indicated that 3I/ATLAS could be a kind of "cosmic Trojan Horse." An object with the appearance of a comet that conceals technology inside.

The perihelion, which coincided with the days leading up to Halloween, sparked speculation about whether the object is "disguised" as a comet. The coming months will be decisive to verify whether 3I/ATLAS behaves like a natural body or shows signs of technological activity.

Upcoming observations and missions involved

3I/ATLAS will approach Venus on November 3, at just 97 million kilometers (60 million miles). It will be monitored by the JUICE mission of the European Space Agency during its journey toward Jupiter. Later, on December 19, it will pass 267 million kilometers (166 million miles) from Earth, at which point the Galileo Project will attempt to detect unusual activity.

In March 2026, the object will reach its closest point to Jupiter. This could allow the Juno probe to obtain detailed images or capture transmissions that reveal its possible artificial origin.

An experiment of nature

According to Loeb, if 3I/ATLAS is a natural comet, it should generate a bright plume of gas and dust from the disintegration of its icy material. However, its high proportion of nickel compared to iron suggests an uncommon metallic composition, which could be associated with a technologically manufactured structure.

If any technological signature is confirmed, a new stage would open in the understanding of unidentified anomalous phenomena.

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence

Avi Loeb once again emphasized the importance of studying these objects with scientific modesty and an open mind. "It's a blind date of interstellar proportions: it's better to observe carefully than to trust Hollywood's imagination," the astrophysicist remarked ironically.

For Loeb, the passage of 3I/ATLAS represents a unique opportunity to learn about possible technologies that could exist beyond Earth. "Wisdom consists in learning from the unknown before fearing it."