In an interview with Chicago Tribune, Avi Loeb, head of Harvard University's astronomy department, shared that he has been working on an equation that will prove that the strange interstellar object, called Oumuamua and currently passing the orbit of the Jupiter, is a part of an alien spaceship.
Loeb believes that the mainstream image of Oumuamua as a piece of potato-shaped rock is actually wrong. According to the astronomer, it's a kilometre-long and 1-millimetre-thick obloid lightsail, which is so light and thin that it's capable of "catching" the sun's rays and uses them as "wind" propelling it further into space. So far scientists have been unable to determine the exact shape of the object due to its complex rotation, but they suggest it is a "cigar-shaped" rock.
READ MORE: Chance of 'Message in Bottle' From Aliens Shouldn't Be Dismissed — Astronomer
The renowned astronomer has faced criticism from colleagues over his views on the essence of Oumuamua. Many of them have accused Loeb of publishing theories that he doesn't believe himself and of engaging in "sensationalist, ill-motivated science". However, Harvard's top astronomer remains adamant in his views and is demanding that his critics provide convincing arguments disproving his theory.
