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Space

Space rock or flashy alien technology? We're going to find out

Science is filled with imagined realities – beliefs that will turn out to be untrue – and the idea that interstellar objects are simply rocks could be one of them, writes physicist Avi Loeb

By Avi Loeb

10 February 2023

An artist's impression of ‘Oumuamua, passing through the solar system

An artist’s impression of ‘Oumuamua, passing through the solar system

NASA/European Southern Observatory/M. Kornmesser

The following is an extract from our Lost in Space-Time newsletter. Each month, we hand over the keyboard to a physicist or two to tell you about fascinating ideas from their corner of the universe. You can sign up for Lost in Space-Time for free here.

Imagined realities are addictive mental drugs. These belief systems can cure the frustration brought about by actual reality and, like a physical drug, can ease pain or make difficult situations more tolerable. They can …

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