3I/ATLAS is a comet which was detected by the boffins over at NASA on 1 July, with researchers at the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) identifying the mysterious terrestrial rock. The comet - which is roughly the size of New York - will become the third interstellar space object to enter our solar system in recorded history.

While scientists are confident it is a comet, its origins have ignited wild theories, including the persistent idea that it could be an alien spacecraft. As it approaches its perihelion—its closest point to the Sun—on 29 October 2025,

NASA and ESA say 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth. We explain its nickel-heavy readings, IAWN’s training drill, and why the Harvard alien claim lacks proof.

Though NASA confirms that 3I/ATLAS poses no immediate threat to Earth, its unusual trajectory and behaviour have stirred concerns. Scientists ask what might occur if the object were on a collision course and how the impact could play out. The scenario remains hypothetical yet instructive for understanding cosmic risks.

A pair of space probes cruising the solar system may be able to pass through the tail of the mysterious Manhattan-sized comet hurtling towards Earth — but only if the scientists operating

In particular, one scientist has claimed it could even be an 'alien mothership', with a few key differences which he claims are 'not natural', such as releasing a metal compound never seen before in nature, or the trajectory of its particles.

NASA confirms the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS poses no threat to Earth, despite viral speculation. Scientists and the UN are monitoring the rare visitor to study its alien origins and composition.