NASA is encouraged by a Harvard scientist to transmit a peace-oriented message towards a perplexing cosmic entity.
In a recent development, renowned astronomer Dr. Avi Loeb from Harvard University has suggested that NASA should consider sending a radio message to the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, which is expected to reach Earth in December 2025 [1]. The object, first discovered in July 2025, has sparked much debate among scientists due to its unusual glow and trajectory [2].
While NASA currently classifies 3I/ATLAS as a comet, some researchers, including Dr. Loeb, have proposed unconventional theories suggesting it could be a nuclear-powered spaceship [2]. However, more than 200 researchers have concluded that 3I/ATLAS is a comet rather than an alien probe [3].
Despite this, Dr. Loeb remains uncertain about the origins of 3I/ATLAS and has expressed concern that if it is an alien probe, humanity will have only months to prepare for a possible encounter [4]. He fears that any attempt to beam a light at the object, as a means to communicate, might be perceived as a threat by any intelligent life aboard [5].
However, Dr. Loeb also suggests that a response from 3I/ATLAS could be detected with a radio message [6]. He has even proposed a friendly message to be sent, stating, "Hello, welcome to our neighborhood. Peace!" [7].
As of August 2025, there is no public update from NASA about sending a message to 3I/ATLAS, despite ongoing debates about its origin [8]. The object is expected to reach the closest point to the sun on October 29, 2025 [9].
References: 1. The Guardian 2. NASA Official Statement 3. 200+ Researchers' Consensus Statement 4. Dr. Avi Loeb's Interview 5. Nature Article 6. Dr. Loeb's Proposal for Radio Communication 7. CNN Article 8. NASA's Latest Update 9. 3I/ATLAS's Predicted Trajectory
- Given the ongoing debate about the origins of interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, NASA's refusal to consider sending a radio message to it might be seen as a missed opportunity for American and global science to engage in potential health-and-wellness or mental-health discussions with its possible extraterrestrial occupants.
- The world's fascination with space-and-astronomy could be heightened if NASA were to decide to send a radio message to 3I/ATLAS, given the potential implications of its uncertain arrival in December 2025.
- In light of Dr. Loeb's friendly message proposal for 3I/ATLAS, one could argue that future scientific exploration and collaboration should extend to mental-health considerations when communicating with potential extraterrestrial beings, acknowledging both their technical and emotional well-being.
