In the seminal science fiction classic novel by Arthur C. Clarke, Rendezvous with Rama, an interstellar asteroid is detected entering our solar system in the year 2131 by an Earth-based early warning system called “Project Spaceguard”. The object is given the name “Rama”, after the Hindu deity. An unmanned probe, Sita, is sent to investigate Rama and astonishingly discovers that it is not an asteroid, but a smooth, cylindrical vessel of obvious alien construction. Further investigation by a team of astronauts aboard the spaceship Endeavor attempts to reveal the true nature of this enigmatic alien vessel and humanity is forever changed by their discoveries. (1)
When I read about the recent discovery of a new interstellar object named 3I/ATLAS speeding into our solar system, I couldn’t help but think of Clarke’s Hugo and Nebula awards winning novel. Wow, I momentarily thought to myself, could this possibly be an alien probe? Visions of Rama’s interior skyscraper structures, Cylindrical Sea, and crab-like biologic robots filled my mind. Alas, as reality set in, those images faded, but my enthusiasm to understand the nature of this newest interstellar traveler did not.
The object derives its name from the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) initiative that discovered it on July 1, 2025, and the fact that it is the third known interstellar body to enter our solar system – hence the ‘3I’. 1I/’Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019 were the other two. In a respectful nod to Clarke’s novel, the name Rama was seriously considered for the first interstellar object before ‘Oumuamua, Hawaiian for “messenger” or “scout”, was ultimately chosen by the International Astronomical Union. (2)
Exactly what 3I/ATLAS is has sparked some controversy among planetary scientists primarily due to its unique trajectory along the ecliptic plane of the solar system, obscure detection angle, lack of a cometary tail, and odd frontal glow. While most scientists believe that 3I/ATLAS is very likely a comet, one controversial astrophysicist is not so sure. (3)
Avi Loeb, a Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University and bestselling author who’s been ridiculed by many in the scientific community because of his contention that ‘Oumuamua may be an alien reconnaissance spacecraft, is now suggesting that the recently observed anomalous characteristics of 3I/ATLAS may also indicate alien technology origins. (4 and 5)
Again, most of the scientific community scoffs at this notion and believes that as 3I/ATLAS gets closer to our world observations from Earth and space-based telescopes will lead to confirmation that the object is indeed an interstellar comet. Loeb has stated that while he agrees that 3I/ATLAS is most likely a comet, he also posits that the “alien technological relic” hypothesis cannot be ruled out and that two key tenets of the scientific method – further scrutiny and data acquisition – will ultimately determine its nature. Telescopic observations alone may not be enough to reach a definitive conclusion. (6)
Consequently, Loeb and his colleagues, Adam Hibberd, and Adam Crowl, have submitted a scientific paper (still yet to be peer reviewed) that proposes using the Juno spacecraft, currently orbiting Jupiter, to study 3I/ATLAS with its suite of instruments from a much closer and more advantageous distance. They wrote: “We have found that the application of a thrust of 2.6755 km s−1 on September 9, 2025, can potentially shift the Juno spacecraft from its orbit around Jupiter to intercept the path of 3I/ATLAS on March 14, 2026. With Juno’s many instruments, a fly-by can probe the nature of 3I/ATLAS far better than telescopes on Earth.” (7)
With Juno’s primary Jupiter mission scheduled to end via a death plunge into the Jovian atmosphere at the end of September 2025, Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna has urged NASA to investigate Loeb’s proposal to possibly extend the mission with an exploration of 3I/ATLAS. However, critics contend that such a mission isn’t feasible, citing insufficient remaining fuel on Juno as well as a significantly slashed NASA budget. The agency has yet to formally respond, but approval seems unlikely. (8)
I agree with Avi Loeb and his colleagues that NASA should investigate the possibility of utilizing the Juno spacecraft to explore 3I/ATLAS. Even if there is just a small chance of success, the opportunity is so rare, and the potential reward is so great that it justifies the attempt. Regardless of what this object actually is, it represents a unique and historic opportunity for humanity to conduct a relatively close-up study of material that has travelled across the interstellar void. That fact alone is remarkable. I also agree with Loeb that while it is unlikely that 3I/ATLAS is some kind of alien technology, we should not completely discount that possibility. The history of scientific discovery is replete with examples of the most outlandish hypotheses eventually proving to be correct.
A rendezvous with 3I/ATLAS by the Juno spacecraft would most likely confirm that the object is an interstellar comet, but my innate curiosity and wondering human spirit clings to the slim hope that it is something more profound. Perhaps Arthur C. Clarke’s words that closed the third chapter of his epic novel may have also prophetically foretold the beginning of a new chapter for humanity: “The long-hoped for, long-feared encounter had come at last. Mankind was about to receive the first visitor from the stars.” (9)
Sources:
(1) Rendezvous with Rama, by Arthur C. Clarke, 1973, Harcourt Trade Publishers
(2) The name ‘Rama’ was initially considered for the name of 1I/’Oumuamua: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/scientist-who-called-mysterious-oumuamua-object-alien-probe-explains-why-62110#google_vignette
(3) Avi Loeb on 3I/ATLAS anomalies – News Nation TV interview, August 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY6OI9TiY7Y
(4) Avi Loeb on 3I/ATLAS’s potential alien origins – News Nation TV interview, August 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY6OI9TiY7Y
(5) Scientific community discounts Loeb’s theories on ‘Oumuamua: https://www.wsj.com/science/space-astronomy/mysterious-space-object-oumuamua-not-alien-scientists-say-d6f2ccd0?msockid=1a2b025d521b612c298d12585332609b
(6) Scientists scoff at Avi Loeb’s theory for 3I/ATLAS origins and Loeb admits it is likely a comet but still warrants further exploration: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/07/30/comet-3iatlas-alien-technology-interstellar/85435571007/
(7) Avi Loeb and colleagues paper on 3I/ATLAS: Is the Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Alien Technology?
(8) Anna Paulina Luna urges a Juno mission to 3I/ATLAS but critics oppose it: NASA urged to chase object from outside the solar system
(9) Rendezvous with Rama, by Arthur C. Clarke, 1973, Harcourt Trade Publishers