Story perspectives

Harvard Astronomer Claims 3I/ATLAS May Be Alien Probe

1/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Avi Loeb, Harvard astronomer, argues 3I/ATLAS may be a technological probe from an alien civilization.
While most experts view 3I/ATLAS as a natural comet, Loeb cites its size and trajectory as anomalies.
Loeb criticized NASA for dismissing his claims and alleged data withholding during 3I/ATLAS's Mars approach.
John Greenewald Jr.'s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the CIA about 3I/ATLAS yielded no answer, prompting questions about government secrecy and national-security concerns.

History

Historical Context

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enacted in 1966, aimed to enhance government transparency by allowing citizens to request federal records. Despite this, many requests, including those related to 3I/ATLAS, often go unanswered. This ongoing struggle between public inquiry and national security reflects historical tensions surrounding government secrecy, particularly in scientific matters, echoing debates from the Watergate era and beyond.

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Story summary

Avi Loeb, Harvard astronomer, argues 3I/ATLAS may be a technological probe from an alien civilization.
While most experts view 3I/ATLAS as a natural comet, Loeb cites its size and trajectory as anomalies.
Loeb criticized NASA for dismissing his claims and alleged data withholding during 3I/ATLAS's Mars approach.
John Greenewald Jr.'s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the CIA about 3I/ATLAS yielded no answer, prompting questions about government secrecy and national-security concerns.

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