Dr. Avi Loeb, PhD follows the truth no matter where it leads — in heaven or on earth. A Harvard astrophysicist and a proud ufologist, Dr. Loeb leads the Galileo Project for the Systematic Scientific Search for Evidence of Extraterrestrial Technological Artifacts. (Cough, flying saucers — Editor.) Among the distinguished list of scientists and academics serving the Galileo Project is Dr. Jacques Vallee, PhD.
The Galileo Project applies leading technologies in observation, detection, imaging and analysis to scan the sky for anomalous objects that make up the UFO phenomenon. Funded by donations and pledges from individuals and foundations, the project has established a network of observatories to scan the sky with advanced sensors and to analyze data with machine learning and human wisdom.
The project emphasizes a transparent approach to ufology, making all data publicly available. Rather than concentrating efforts on radio and electromagnetic signals that emanate from sources in deep space, the Galileo Project searches the sky for physical objects that can be sensed and recorded — important evidence of extraterrestrial technology observed in the earth’s atmosphere, nearby space and earth orbit.
Dr. Loeb made headlines and angered colleagues when he proposed that Oumuamua, believed to be the first interstellar object to be tracked as it passed through the solar system in 2017, may have been an artificial object built by an alien intelligence. In part, Dr. Loeb based his hypothesis on the fact Oumuamua, after its closest approach to the sun, accelerated on its way (or did it make its way?) out of the solar system.
And now 3I/ATLAS, another object believed to be of interstellar origin, is racing through the solar system. Based in part on its rapid speed and seemingly targeted angle of approach, relative to the earth’s orbit around the sun, Dr. Loeb and his team estimate the object is scientifically interesting, a possible arrival of an object seemingly from another star system or, even, extraterrestrial civilization.
For the record, Dr. Loeb and his team have ever claimed to know what 3I/ATLAS is, but they want to use science and technology to study what may be another artificial object. That’s about as good a use of science and technology I can think of.
From a CBS News-Boston interview with Dr. Loeb:
“I think that when we have a blind date from a visitor from another star, all bets are off,” said Loeb. “We shouldn’t assume anything, and we should assess the risk given the data that we have.”
Dr. Loeb said the risk should be assessed using something like the Richter scale for earthquakes.
“Zero would be a natural object like a comet,” Loeb said. “Ten would be an object that maneuvers as if it has an engine that is definitely technological, and then there should be some policymakers deciding how to respond to that.”
Professor Loeb says 3I/ATLAS will pass closest to the sun on October 29 of this year.
“We see a lot of houses on the cosmic street that look just like ours, analogs of the Earth’s sun system,” Loeb said. “And I think it’s very arrogant of us to assume that they don't have residents.”
For his public interest in the UFO phenomenon, Dr. Loeb has received “the Treatment,” from professional colleagues and the general press. Not coincidentally, the smears and threats are exactly of the same kind as his predecessor at Harvard University, the late Dr. John E. Mack, MD, experienced.
Dr. Mack researched the UFO phenomenon, especially the abduction experience reported to him by hundreds of patients. Despite mounting criticism from colleagues, Dr. Mack treated people who suffered real psychic trauma, apparently caused through interaction with an unknown, possibly alien, intelligence. Click here to learn more about Dr. Mack in “Two Superlative Schools of UFO Thought: Westall ‘66, Ariel ‘94” on The Residium.
Both Dr. Loeb and Dr. Mack put truth before their own self-interests. And both prevailed, overturning colleagues’ attempts at censure or worse, merely for their academic and intellectual interests touching on the untouchable topic of the UFO phenomenon.
That is most gratifying to this Editor, one who has followed and studied flying saucers, or UFOs and nowadays UAP, for nearly 60 years. It is reassuring to know at Harvard University, an institution founded almost 140 years before the formation of the United States of America, two intellectual giants were free to follow, study and share their work on the UFO phenomenon.
What’s more, unlike their vocal and now-frustrated critics who worked to shout them into silence, Dr. Loeb and Dr. Mack share a characteristic engraved in a one-word motto on their school’s seal. No matter where it has taken them in their lives as individuals and careers as intellectuals in a field — literally at the edge of reality — at all times and in all ways in their approach to the UFO phenomenon, Dr. Loeb works and Dr. Mack worked to pursue Veritas.
Thank you for subscribing and thank you for a most important question, Michael.
Dr. Loeb reminds us that we have to be prepared for contact and whether or not alien visitors are friendly. Personally, I’d want the United Nations to serve as peaceful representatives on behalf of mankind. Our planet’s academic and cultural institutions could prepare a cosmic welcome wagon. Our politicians and militaries might form a plan to protect humanity without resorting to violence. In reality, the visitors would see how nations and people have treated one another since the dawn of history and know what savages we are. Lord help us all then.
Please share your thoughts. What should mankind do, if faced with an alien visitors?
Very interesting. Just curious … what do you think would be the most appropriate response from policymakers?