Harvard professor Avi Loeb is urging careful science. He is talking about a strange object from deep space. The object is named 3I/ATLAS. Loeb says it is probably just a comet. But he also says its weird features need more study.
What is the Loeb Classification Scale?
Professor Loeb made a special rating system. It is called the Loeb Classification Scale. It gives a number to objects from other star systems. A score of ‘0’ means a normal icy space rock. A score of ’10’ could mean alien technology.
Loeb first gave 3I/ATLAS a score of ‘4’ after its discovery in July 2025. He found eight strange things about it. Now, he has found 15 odd features. He will not change the score until he gets new information.
What is Loeb’s Current View?
In a recent TV interview, Loeb repeated his main idea. He said 3I/ATLAS is most likely a natural comet. He has said this since last summer. But he also says we cannot ignore the small chance it is something else.
“The technology idea can’t be ruled out,” Loeb said. “The impact would be huge, even if the chance is low.” He says no new facts have made him change his score yet.
When Will We Know More?
The big moment will be in March 2026. That is when 3I/ATLAS will pass very close to Jupiter. Scientists will watch it carefully.
They will study a giant “jet” or tail coming from the object. Is it made of normal comet gases? Or does it look like exhaust from an engine? They will also look for signs of smaller objects breaking off or strange movements.
If they see nothing unusual, Loeb says he will lower the object’s score. But if they see odd signs, the score could go up.
How is Science Being Done?
Loeb stresses that good science takes time. It relies on data, not headlines. His recent interview just repeated what he has already published. The final answer will depend on telescopes around the world working together.
“We need to collect the evidence first,” Loeb said. “Then we can draw a conclusion.”
The world will be watching for new data in the coming months.