Global tension is rising again as astronomers reveal new data about the mysterious object hurtling toward Earth — and this time, the findings have even veteran scientists scratching their heads. The unidentified object, tracked since early this year, has baffled researchers with movements they can’t explain using any known natural forces. Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb is doubling down on his controversial theory that the strange visitor could be artificial — possibly a fragment of alien technology.
The object, unofficially named “AIM-23,” was first detected by deep-space telescopes in Hawaii and Chile. Early readings showed it accelerating slightly as it approached the inner solar system — something space rocks simply don’t do without propulsion. Now, a new analysis from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory shows AIM-23’s path has shifted yet again, prompting one official to describe it as “a cosmic anomaly we can’t yet classify.”
“We expected it to slow down under solar drag,” Loeb told The New York Times. “Instead, it’s speeding up. Nature doesn’t behave like that. Engineering does.”
NASA confirms new anomalies in mysterious object heading toward Earth. Harvard’s Avi Loeb says it’s “not natural.” @guardian
According to the updated NASA data, AIM-23 is now expected to pass Earth’s orbit by late 2025 — closer than originally predicted, but still outside the danger zone. The problem? The object’s reflective pattern and rotation rate keep changing in ways that defy expectations. “It’s not behaving like metal, rock, or ice,” said Space.com contributor Dr. Lina Crawford. “It’s something else entirely.”
Loeb’s team at Harvard’s Galileo Project has been analyzing light signatures from the object since July, comparing them to known materials. Their findings show AIM-23 reflects sunlight like a polished alloy rather than cosmic dust. “It’s eerily similar to what we’d expect from a thin sheet — possibly a light sail,” Loeb said, referencing technology designed to harness solar radiation for propulsion. “That’s not nature’s work.”
While many scientists remain skeptical, none have been able to offer a definitive natural explanation. The European Space Agency confirmed it is running independent simulations but admits “the object’s parameters don’t match any known catalogued debris.” The agency also ruled out defunct satellites and rocket stages. “Whatever it is, it’s from outside our solar system,” said ESA mission planner Dr. Jean Moreau.
Experts admit new data from mysterious interstellar object “doesn’t match anything natural or human-made.” @PopBase
Online, the theories have exploded. Some users on X are calling it “the second coming of ‘Oumuamua,” referencing the 2017 interstellar visitor that exhibited similar unexplainable behavior. Others are convinced it’s alien technology — and point to Elon Musk’s own reaction last week as evidence the mystery is being taken seriously at the highest levels.
“If it’s not natural, we’re going to find out,” Musk posted on X, hinting that SpaceX telescopes and Starlink cameras are being redirected to capture imagery. His cryptic follow-up — “Hope it’s friendly” — racked up millions of views within hours, sparking a frenzy of memes and speculation.
Privately, NASA sources have told Reuters that early radar echoes from the object “suggest smooth, planar surfaces,” a detail consistent with Loeb’s claim that AIM-23 could be a fragment of a light sail or probe. “It’s either the weirdest rock in the galaxy or something made,” one insider said. “Either way, it changes everything.”
But not everyone is ready to call it alien. Astrophysicist Dr. Jill Tarter of the SETI Institute urged caution, saying the data “could still be explained by exotic natural physics.” She added, “There are many things we don’t yet understand about interstellar objects. Jumping to aliens helps headlines, not science.”
“If this isn’t natural, we need to rethink everything we know about cosmic engineering,” says Harvard’s Avi Loeb. @etnow
Still, Loeb’s credentials — and track record — give his theory weight. Earlier this year, he led an expedition that retrieved tiny metallic spherules from the Pacific Ocean, believed to have originated from an interstellar meteor. “I’ve touched fragments of something not from this Earth,” he said. “It’s time we stop pretending we’re alone.”
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is reportedly coordinating with NASA to deploy a small observation satellite to intercept the object’s path within the next 18 months. If successful, it could capture the first-ever close-up images of an interstellar body before it exits our solar system — or collides with unseen debris.
Meanwhile, social media is buzzing with both fear and fascination. One viral TikTok clip showing Loeb’s quote — “It’s not natural” — over dramatic space footage has been viewed over 60 million times. “Every movie starts like this,” one user wrote. “Then the object opens.”
Government agencies have declined to comment on whether AIM-23 poses any potential threat, though the White House confirmed it has received briefings. “We’re monitoring all credible information,” said a senior administration source. “Right now, it’s just an object. We don’t yet know what kind.”
NASA tracking “AIM-23,” a mysterious object showing impossible movement patterns. Scientists call it “a riddle in orbit.” @buzzingpop
As the debate deepens, Loeb remains unshaken by skepticism. “Every revolutionary discovery sounded absurd at first,” he said during a talk at Harvard University. “People laughed at Galileo too.” When asked what he’d do if AIM-23 turned out to be a relic of alien origin, he smiled. “Then we write a thank-you note to the cosmos for sending mail.”
For now, the strange object continues its silent, glittering journey toward Earth’s neighborhood — a riddle wrapped in metal, mystery, and possibility. As Loeb put it best: “Either we’re witnessing history… or we’re about to rewrite it.”
