Are Meteorites Found on the Ocean Floor of Interstellar Origin? An Ongoing Debate in the Scientific Community

In 2014, a meteor the size of a washing machine streaked across the sky and landed at the bottom of the ocean off the coast of Papua New Guinea, captivating the attention of scientists.

While meteorites entering Earth’s atmosphere and reaching the surface are a common occurrence, there is something unique about this particular space rock. Some controversial scientists believe it originated from beyond our solar system and are determined to retrieve it from the Pacific depths as evidence.

Harvard astronomer Abraham “Avi” Loeb and his team have recently embarked on an expedition aboard the ship Silver Star in the South Pacific. Their mission involves using a large magnet to extract small, spherical fragments of metal from the ocean floor. These fragments, known as “spherules,” are suspected to have interstellar origins.

Excitement fills the ship as Loeb reports the discovery of 50 spherules, totaling 35 milligrams, near the path of the fireball produced by the first recognized interstellar meteor, IM1. A celebratory toast with champagne marks the occasion, and the spherules are soon to be subjected to thorough analysis.

IM1, a name given to the fireball that tore through the atmosphere in 2014, intrigued Loeb and his team five years later. In a published paper co-authored by Loeb and his student, Amir Siraj, they proposed the possibility that the extraordinary speed and brightness of the fireball indicated it was composed of an incredibly resilient material originating from interstellar space.

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In 2022, the US Space Command released a memo affirming the interstellar origin of IM1, further fueling the curiosity of Loeb and his team. With the generous support of Charles Hoskinson, founder of the Cardano cryptocurrency, an expedition under the Galileo Project at Harvard was funded to retrieve and study the remnants of IM1.

As Loeb concludes his time at sea, the gathered spherules are prepared to undergo comprehensive elemental and isotopic analysis. The findings will be presented in a peer-reviewed journal, providing concrete data to support the theory that IM1’s high speed and extraordinary material strength point to a natural environment beyond our solar system or even an extraterrestrial technological civilization.

Yes, you read that right. Loeb entertains the possibility that IM1 may not be a naturally-occurring meteoroid but rather the remnants of an interstellar alien probe.

An unexpected encounter shapes Loeb’s career trajectory

Prior to his involvement in interstellar mysteries, Loeb gained recognition as a distinguished figure in the fields of astrophysics and cosmology, particularly for his extensive research on black holes. However, since the discovery of the peculiar interstellar object ‘Oumuamua in 2017, he has embarked on a mission to expand the perspectives of his fellow scientists.

In his recently published book called “Extraterrestrial,” Loeb delves into the argument that ‘Oumuamua was not simply a natural celestial body, but rather a technological artifact created by an intelligent extraterrestrial society.

Unsurprisingly, Loeb’s extraterrestrial hypotheses have sparked intense debates within the scientific community. Astronomers and physicists have vehemently refuted his claims regarding ‘Oumuamua, as well as IM1 and a potentially interstellar meteor referred to as IM2.

Astronomer Peter Brown from Western University, Ontario, is among the critics. He released a draft research paper suggesting that IM1, detected by US government sensors in 2014, is likely not interstellar. Brown raises concerns about the accuracy of the meteor’s estimated speed, which has not been independently analyzed due to data restrictions imposed by the US Defense Department.

However, Loeb remains undeterred by skepticism and chooses to revel in the experience aboard the Silver Star, savoring champagne. He confidently asserts that the forthcoming publication of their first set of data will speak for itself, allowing the facts to counter any opposing interpretations.

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