Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS in a Hubble Telescope image
Sergey Bogachev, head of the Solar Astronomy Laboratory at the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stated that if the recently discovered interstellar object 3I/ATLAS were indeed an alien spacecraft, it would behave quite differently to avoid detection, for instance, by slowing down.
The New York Times previously reported that the ATLAS telescope system detected the third interstellar object ever observed within the Solar System, named 3I/ATLAS. Israeli-American astronomer Avi Loeb has posited that this “visitor from space” might be artificial in origin.
Bogachev refuted the notion that the object`s trajectory suggests an attempt to hide. He explained that to remain inconspicuous, an alien object would merely need to slightly reduce its speed to match that of long-period comets.
According to him, in that scenario, the object would have gone unnoticed and likely wouldn`t even have been cataloged. The scientist added that, on the contrary, traversing the solar system at hyperbolic velocity is the best way to *attract* attention, not to avoid it.
Bogachev pointed out that Loeb had previously made similar claims regarding the artificial origin of the interstellar asteroid 1I/Oumuamua. This time, according to the Russian scientist, Loeb presented both previously heard and several new arguments.
Loeb referenced two articles on the spectroscopy of 3I/ATLAS, which purportedly showed no gases around the object, thus ruling out its cometary nature. However, this stance drew criticism from the global scientific community, leading Loeb to alter his claim, stating that the visible “tail” in 3I/ATLAS images was merely an optical effect and did not prove its cometary origin.
Bogachev concluded with a humorous remark: “Now we await the fourth interstellar object and will see how quickly Avi Loeb declares it an alien spaceship this time. Given the frequency of these discoveries, finding a new one won`t take long.”
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth