Featured Image Credit: NASA
A former NASA astronomer demands the space agency takes immediate action against a potential 'hostile alien threat' heading for Earth.
Astronomers have discovered a comet, named 3I/ATLAS, is zooming towards our solar system at an extraordinary speed of 140,000 mph.
Initially estimated to be roughly seven miles across by researchers at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, new data suggests the object measures at most 3.5 miles (5.6 km) wide and could be as small as 1,000 feet (320 metres).
Fears have only worsened with the suggestion by Harvard physicist Avi Loeb that the fast-moving visitor might not be natural at all. In a Medium blog post, Loeb raised the possibility that 3I/ATLAS could be some form of alien threat that might reach Earth 'by Christmas.'
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Working with researchers Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl, Loeb published a controversial paper arguing that 3I/ATLAS shows signs of intelligent control. As evidence, the scientists point to the object's unusual trajectory and non-gravitational acceleration, along with the absence of visible cometary outgassing.
Meanwhile, a study from Harvard University in July 2025 warned of the consequences of 3I/ATLAS hitting Earth, which could be 'potentially dire for humanity.'
Now, former NASA astronomer Marian Rudnyk has issued a plea to the space agency to treat 3I/ATLAS as an emergency situation.
"I am writing this letter because I am deeply concerned that unique opportunities to observe this possibly rare event are being squandered," Rudnyk posted on X.
While acknowledging that 'both professional and amateur observatories worldwide' are tracking the object, 'NASA also has spaceborne assets that should be used.'
OPEN LETTER TO @NASA
— ✨🚀Marian Rudnyk™©🪐🔭🇺🇦🇺🇸 (@MarianRudnyk) August 8, 2025
Subject: #Comet 3I/ATLAS
I am an astronomer (former #NASA) & planetary scientist. I have discussed & named asteroids & been on the flight mission imaging science teams on #Voyager2 at #Neptune, #Magellan at #Venus, etc. I've mapped lava flows on #Mars, ice… pic.twitter.com/UiGIml2Tna
He went on to say that NASA currently has 'operational spacecraft' around Mars, Jupiter and the Sun, but these resources could be redirected to study 3I/ATLAS.
"My recommendation is that because of the rarity & specialness of Comet 3I/ATLAS's visit, this should be ALL hands on deck," Rudnyk advised.
The former astronomer outlined specific actions NASA should take.
"Spacecraft with camera systems must be mobilized to do imaging of ATLAS," Rudnyk suggested, before adding: "Those that don't have cameras, should perform fields & particles, & other scientific investigations."
Rudnyk stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasising that the comet is a 'ONE TIME event' with 'NO second chance because it won't be returning'.
Comments on Rudnyk's post have shown strong support for his recommendations, with one user responding 'absolutely yes' to his call for action.
Another ambitiously suggested: "It would be cool to park a camera on the comet and see where it goes.".
