Debate Erupts After ‘Leak’ Allegedly Exposes “Grifter” Avi Loeb’s Motives
$1B Funding Push to Fund His Own Alien Hunting Projects
Astrophyzix Science News & Science Communication
Introduction
Prominent astrophysicist Avi Loeb is facing sharp criticism after reports emerged alleging that during a cut-scene on an online podcast interview he acknowledged that 3I/ATLAS is of entirely natural origin, while publicly promoting sensational extraterrestrial narratives.
He has reportedly also advocated for a $1 billion funding request from the U.S. Congress to pursue research into exotic hypotheses. Critics and online commentators are sharply divided.
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The Context
- 3I/ATLAS is the third confirmed interstellar object to enter our solar system, following 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
- Discovered by the ATLAS survey in July 2025.
- Loeb has suggested it might be more than a typical comet, despite mainstream scientific consensus.
Public Leak
An “off-camera leak” has circulated online claiming that Loeb admitted the object is 100% natural yet simultaneously advocated that Congress allocate $1B for alien technology research.
The Allegations
- The leak implies Loeb promotes possible technological origin to secure funding.
- Critics label him a “Grifter” for the perceived conflict between private belief and public narrative.
- Defenders argue Loeb consistently notes natural origin is most likely while advocating scientific open-mindedness.
Scientific and Institutional Response
- The astronomy community remains unconvinced by the technological hypothesis.
- 3I/ATLAS exhibits behavior consistent with cometary physics: outgassing, tail formation, trajectory.
- Loeb has requested NASA release high-resolution images for independent assessment.
Funding Implications and Public Trust
- Alleged $1B request highlights tension between speculative science and budget justification.
- Transparency about evidence, assumptions, and risks is essential for credibility.
- No definitive primary proof of the leak exists; public perception remains speculative.
His New Grift after NASA Confirms Natural Origin
Observers have highlighted how advocacy for exotic research without supporting evidence may appear manipulative.
Summary
The 3I/ATLAS episode underscores the importance of distinguishing between interesting possibilities and justified claims. Open data release, scientific rigor, and clear communication are key to maintaining public trust. The consensus remains that 3I/ATLAS is most likely a natural interstellar comet.
Sources
- MSN (2025). https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/technology/grifter-avi-loeb-claims-3i-atlas-is-natural-then-allegedly-demands-1b-from-congress/ar-AA1PEzt6
- The Guardian (2025). Interstellar overhype: NASA debunks claim about alien-made comet. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/sep/11/interstellar-comet-nasa-alien-made
- Live Science (2025). Controversial paper questions whether interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS is “possibly hostile” alien tech. https://www.livescience.com/space/extraterrestrial-life/here-we-go-again-controversial-paper-questions-whether-interstellar-visitor-3i-atlas-is-possibly-hostile-alien-tech-in-disguise
- People (2025). Super-Fast New Comet Could Be Evil “Alien Technology,” Harvard Professor Argues — but Other Experts Disagree. https://people.com/3i-atlas-comet-could-be-alien-technology-harvard-professor-argues-11782278
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