According to data obtained from the James Webb Telescope, the mass of the object is 33 billion tons, which, according to Loeb, is a thousand times greater than the mass of all previously known interstellar bodies. The scientist wonders what could have led to the emergence of such a large object within the inner part of the Solar System, as only small celestial bodies had been recorded before.
Avi Loeb believes that 3I/ATLAS deserves deeper investigation. He suggests that this object may represent a "black swan," carrying unexpected and potentially serious consequences. In his opinion, at first glance, the object appears to be a natural celestial body; however, it could later turn out to be a "Trojan horse." Loeb compared this to a "blind date," emphasizing that the outcome of the meeting can be unpredictable and even dangerous.
Despite official statements from NASA about the safety of the object, the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) has begun monitoring it to clarify its trajectory and minimize potential risks. A "comet campaign" is scheduled from November 27, 2025, to January 27, 2026, aimed at studying the behavior of the interstellar body.
Experts have also been attracted by the anomalous characteristics of 3I/ATLAS. These include an "anti-tail" that directs particles toward the Sun, a release of nickel without iron, and the detected compound nickel tetracarbonyl, which had previously only been observed in industrial processes on Earth. It is also noteworthy that the object exhibits non-gravitational accelerations and has an unusual trajectory that will bring it close to Jupiter, Venus, and Mars.
Currently, 3I/ATLAS is approaching its maximum closeness to the Sun and may soon exit the visibility zone. If the object uses the star's gravity to change its speed and direction, this could indicate its artificial origin. In this case, as Loeb emphasizes, the object will continue to move along its orbit and leave the boundaries of the Solar System.
