Are Aliens Threatening Us? How a Scientific Hypothesis Became an Information Sensation.
In July 2025, both Ukrainian and international media exploded with headlines like: “Aliens to Attack Earth in November”, “A Ship from Beyond the Solar System Approaches Earth”, “Scientists Confirm the Existence of Extraterrestrials”. The trigger for this surge was the appearance of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS (C/2023 A3), discovered by astronomers at the start of the month. But why did an object, purely of scientific interest, suddenly become a symbol of cosmic panic? Where does science end and media manipulation begin?
3I/ATLAS (C/2023 A3) is only the third interstellar object in history to be observed by Earth-based telescopes, following the well-known ʻOumuamua (2017) and Borisov’s comet (2019). Its trajectory, orbital characteristics, and physical properties immediately drew the attention of the astronomical community.
Key data:
- the object’s orbit is hyperbolic, typical for interstellar “visitors”
- a classic cometary tail is observed
- speed, spectral analysis, and structure show no anomalies
These conclusions have been confirmed by NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the SETI Institute.
However, a scientific hypothesis from Harvard professor Avi Loeb drew considerable resonance when he suggested that 3I/ATLAS could theoretically be not a natural comet, but a technogenic object much like the probes humanity sends to other planets.
“We do not exclude the hypothesis that this object may have artificial origin and reconnaissance function, similar to our interplanetary probes,” Loeb commented to Scientific American.
Important: а scientific hypothesis is a conjecture that has no confirmation without experiment or direct evidence.
No signs of artificial origin have been detected for 3I/ATLAS.
“It is, without a doubt, an interstellar comet. Fascinating for science, but not a threat,” NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office reported.
How Sensation Replaces Fact
The explosion of headlines began after Loeb’s hypothesis was presented by the New York Post as a forecast of a possible “alien attack.” The story was quickly picked up by Ukrainian news feeds, where the materials were presented with a “scientific” subtext, but without:
- direct links to original sources
- clarification that this was a hypothesis, not an established fact
- context or qualifications
Some materials even included references to prophecies, mystical details, “hostile signals”—anything to heighten anxiety.
These methods violate journalism standards and the Ukrainian Journalists’ Code of Ethics (Article 11):
“A journalist must distinguish facts, assumptions, and rumors. Manipulating emotions or fear is an unacceptable form of audience influence.”
What Is Actually Known
The scientific community is united in its assessment:
- 3I/ATLAS has all the characteristics of a classical interstellar comet
- no “anomalies” or technogenic features have been observed
- orbital data, speed, spectral analysis all within the norm for interstellar bodies
This position has been confirmed by NASA, ESA, and the SETI Institute.
“No signal or technical activity that would indicate artificial origin has been detected,” the SETI Institute stated.
Information Security and Legal Aspects
Manipulating the topic of an “alien threat” is not just an ethical error in journalism. According to Article 25 of the Law of Ukraine “On Information”:
“The dissemination of information intended to cause panic, anxiety, harm to national security or public order is prohibited.”
While such news stories are not technically fakes, their sensational presentation undermines trust in scientific discourse, breeds disinformation, and destabilizes the emotional state of society.
Lessons for Media and Society
- Respect for facts and scientific sources is the foundation for combating panic and rumor.
- Media are obliged to distinguish hypotheses, assumptions, and facts, and to clearly indicate the lack of evidence in such sensational stories.
- Society must remain critical and verify information, especially in times of crisis or tension.
- 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet; no “alien” threat has been confirmed
- Loeb’s hypothesis is a scientific conjecture without evidence
- Sensational media coverage is dangerous and contrary to the law
- Critical thinking is the only defense against information manipulation and fear
A scientific hypothesis is not a threat. Panic is created not by aliens, but by those who mix science with rumors. Discern facts and stick to the truth.
About the Author
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