That’s the provocative question posed by Harvard professor Avi Loeb and his research team. They’re investigating 3I/ATLAS—a mysterious, 7-mile-long object currently zipping through our solar system—which, according to Loeb, might be more than just a comet. In fact, he suggests it could be an alien spacecraft… and not just in the realm of science fiction.

Why the suspicion? 3I/ATLAS is on a highly unusual trajectory—one that doesn’t quite align with how natural comets typically behave. Even more curious, its motion appears to be subtly guided, almost as if it’s being steered, rather than simply pulled by gravity.

The object is set to make its closest approach to the Sun on October 29, and astronomers are paying close attention. If Loeb is right, this could mark humanity’s first brush with technology from beyond Earth. He’s urging the scientific community—and the world—to stay curious and open to extraordinary possibilities.

While many experts remain skeptical, this story—first reported by CBS News—is a reminder that space still holds secrets we may not be ready for… but that doesn’t mean they’re not real.