A mysterious "interstellar object" hurtling through the solar system may have a "companion probe" of alien origin and could strike Mars, a researcher has claimed.
The theory has been tabled by Harvard astrophysicist Professor Avi Loeb, who has claimed the giant object could be an extraterrestrial spacecraft from a distant galaxy.
The object dubbed 3I/ATLAS was first spotted by scientists on July 1, sparking debates among the scientific community surrounding what it is, where it came from and why it might be travelling through our solar system.
Last month, researchers from Michigan State University even discussed the possibility of sending a spacecraft from Earth to intercept it.
The theory has been tabled by Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, who has claimed the giant object could be an extraterrestrial spacecraft
| GETTYThe consensus among scientists is that 3I/ATLAS is a giant ice comet after new scans detected the interstellar object measures 1.7 miles in diameter emits roughly 940 trillion molecules of carbon dioxide per second.
But Prof Loeb has argued that mysterious details surrounding the object like its peculiar flight path suggests scientists should not rule out the possibility that 3I/ATLAS could be of alien creation.
The Harvard astrophysicist has published a fresh paper which claims there is a "precursor mini-probe" steaming ahead of the interstellar object towards us.
It is projected to come within 18 million miles of Mars on October 30, where a camera orbiting the Red Planet will be close enough to take high-quality photos.
The consensus among scientists is that 3I/ATLAS is a giant ice comet
| GETTYAfter Nasa released new details about the object last month, Prof Loeb said: "It shows a glow ahead of the object, not behind it.
"If it were a standard comet, we would expect some dust to be shed off the surface of the object, and the dust will be pushed behind the object as a result of the solar radiation pressure.
"As we get more data, when the sun puts more heat on this object, it might reveal its true nature.
"It could be a wake-up call for humanity if we realise that there is a smarter kid on our block."
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It is projected to come within 18 million miles of Mars on October 30
| NASAThe astrophysicist's most recent theory suggested if 3I/ATLAS is indeed an alien craft, the mini-probe travelling alongside it may be reprogrammed to fly closer or even collide into Mars.
Prof Loeb claims the probe could have deployed by intelligent life from a distant corner of the universe to collect data or explore the Red Planet.
He claimed in a blog post this week that the telescopes used by humans may not be able to spot the probe if it is smaller than 33 feet due to their inability to pick up reflected sunlight.
If the Harvard scientist's theory comes to fruition, the mini-probe could arrive at Mars roughly the same time as its closest approach in October - or even earlier.
3I/ATLAS is only the third intergalactic visitor from outside our of solar system ever to be detected.
Other interstellar travellers sighted include Oumuamua in 2017 and the Borisov comet in 2019.
The object is thought to be older than the sun, which is 4.6 billion years old, and is currently travelling at speeds in excess of 150,000 miles per hour.
It is projected to pass near Venus and Jupiter this year and reach its closest point to Earth, within 223 million miles away, on December 17.