Harvard Astronomer Accuses NASA of Withholding Data on Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS
WASHINGTON – A dispute has erupted between Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb and NASA over the agency’s delayed release of images of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. Loeb alleges a purposeful obstruction of scientific inquiry, while NASA attributes the delay to the impacts of the recent U.S. government shutdown. The controversy centers on data collected by NASA assets that could offer unprecedented insight into objects originating outside our solar system, possibly reshaping our understanding of interstellar phenomena.
Loeb, a prominent figure in the search for extraterrestrial life, has publicly criticized NASA’s silence regarding the high-resolution images of 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar comet to be discovered passing through our solar system.He argues that withholding the data hinders astronomers’ ability to study the object before it exits our solar system.”We should not hold science hostage to the confinement policy of the moment,” Loeb stated. He believes the delay limits understanding of a phenomenon that “could redefine what is known about interstellar objects.”
NASA maintains that the delay is solely due to the partial closure of the U.S. government. Agency spokespersons report that only 17% of staff remains active due to the lack of federal budget approval.
The conflict escalated after Loeb revealed he contacted Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna following an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, requesting official intervention. Luna subsequently sent a letter to NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy. Duffy responded publicly via Twitter on October 30, 2025, stating, “@NASA’s observations show that this is the third interstellar comet to pass through our solar system. No aliens.No threat to life here on Earth.”
loeb insists the timely dissemination of the data – offering a spatial resolution of 30 kilometers per pixel – is paramount to guiding future observations of 3I/ATLAS. Despite NASA’s clarification, the prolonged silence and public exchange of statements continue to fuel speculation about the nature of the object and whether it represents something beyond a typical comet.