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Jilly_in_VA

(13,592 posts)
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 11:08 AM 15 hrs ago

Astrophysicist's latest 3I/ATLAS theory: It's interested in Jupiter

Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, who still insists 3I/ATLAS could be an alien vessel instead of a comet, is now pointing to the interstellar object’s expected rendezvous with the solar system’s largest planet early next year.

He said 3I/ATLAS is expected to come closest to Jupiter on March 16, 2026, as it leaves our planetary system. At that time the object is estimated to be 33 million miles from Jupiter, compared with the wider berth of 170 million miles the Earth will have with 3I/ATLAS on Dec. 19.

“It comes exactly at the right distance from Jupiter for Jupiter’s gravity to dominate. So, if it wants to release some probes near Jupiter, that’s where it needs to be,” Loeb told “NewsNation Prime” on Saturday.

“Jupiter is easy to recognize, the biggest planet in the solar system, and perhaps that’s what attracted their visit,” he added. “We tend to think that it’s all about us.”

NASA on Wednesday said the latest government images of 3I/ATLAS indicate the object is a comet, as suspected, albeit one with unusual features. But Loeb says there are still many anomalies left unexplained, ranging from the object’s size to its chemical signatures to the “jets” that appear to be emanating from the surface. In his view, he said, the latest NASA material doesn’t solve these riddles.

https://www.newsnationnow.com/prime/3i-atlas-jupiter-probes/

Not everything in the universe is about us! Now there's a novel theory.

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Astrophysicist's latest 3I/ATLAS theory: It's interested in Jupiter (Original Post) Jilly_in_VA 15 hrs ago OP
Nonsense. What they really want is an audience with President Trump to pledge their loyalty. Midnight Writer 15 hrs ago #1
I trust NASA JoseBalow 15 hrs ago #2
The Ramans do everything in threes...... lastlib 14 hrs ago #3
Ha!, great books. Eko 8 hrs ago #5
Loeb is desperately trying to keep the spotlight on him DavidDvorkin 10 hrs ago #4
Loeb knows better PJMcK 8 hrs ago #6

Midnight Writer

(25,021 posts)
1. Nonsense. What they really want is an audience with President Trump to pledge their loyalty.
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 11:23 AM
15 hrs ago

Trump's fame has spread to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. It is no wonder they have traveled light years to gaze in wonder upon His Eminence.

Like the Three Wise Men of old, they followed a star to the lowly surroundings of Earth to find God's miracle creation and to give Him gifts.

I just hope they weren't foolish enough to bring something useless to Him, like a cure for disease or an inexhaustible clean energy source.

They need to bring gold. Lots and lots of lovely gold. Packed in gold boxes.

JoseBalow

(8,980 posts)
2. I trust NASA
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 11:38 AM
15 hrs ago


NASA on Wednesday said the latest government images of 3I/ATLAS indicate the object is a comet...

DavidDvorkin

(20,445 posts)
4. Loeb is desperately trying to keep the spotlight on him
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 03:51 PM
10 hrs ago

The further the comet gets from the sun with nothing inexplicable happening, the more that spotlight fades.

PJMcK

(24,485 posts)
6. Loeb knows better
Mon Nov 24, 2025, 06:02 PM
8 hrs ago

He just wants his name in the news.

He has an impressive resume but he jumped the shark with Omuamua (sp?).

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