Avi Loeb is a Harvard Head of Astrophysics, PhD and theoretical physicist who is very much criticised by the traditional scientific community.
His bold theories about interstellar “visitors” have made many scientists eye roll, yet many of the public are engaged on a galactic scale with his huge, growing public profile and bold claims.
In this article, we look at what entrepreneurs can learn from the scientific maverick Avi Loeb and the ongoing 3I/ ATLAS mystery.
Here goes…
Follow The Data
For those who are not aware what 3I/ATLAS is, it is a large interstellar object that entered our solar system on 1st July 2025.
The object is claimed to be a comet by traditional astrophysicists; however, there are many strange characteristics that appear to make this object anomalous, according to Loeb.
Comment on “Discovery and Preliminary Characterisation of a Third Interstellar Object: 3I/ATLAS” [arXiv:2507.02757]
https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.05881
Firstly, the data show that the comet does not have the usual tail of outgassing that comets have.
It has a high composition of the metal nickel, without iron, which is unusual.
It also appears to be extremely large at over 33 billion tons.
The main thrust of Avi Loeb’s arguments seems to be that scientists should simply follow the data.
Loeb first got broad public attention after the discovery of Oumuaamua, the first interstellar visitor to our solar system, in October 2017.
Traditional astronomers argued for natural explanations, along the lines of a comet or unusual asteroid.
However, Loeb looked at the data and postulated that the object had an anomalous shape, weird acceleration characteristics and a lack of outgassing found in traditional comets.
What can entrepreneurs learn? Simply follow the data. Looking at the marketplace objectively can give insights into new areas of business or inspiration to enter new areas once deemed unpopular or unprofitable.
Innovation often comes from uncharted waters.
Marketing Guru
Avi Loeb is not just a genius when it comes to astrophysics; he also appears to be a marketing genius too.
Unlike most of his peers, he is not afraid to stick his neck out, appearing on multiple news channels and appearing on a shedload of podcasts, including Joe Rogan, talking about his theories.
When it comes to 3I/ATLAS, many of his peers seem to be almost silent on the matter by comparison.
NASA is strangely quiet on the topic and, to date (Oct 2025), has not yet released high-quality images of 3I/ATLAS captured by their satellites around Mars.
The reason given is that the ongoing U.S government shutdown on (1st Oct 2025) has caused NASA to furlough 15,000 employees, leading to the delayed processing of images.
What can entrepreneurs learn? Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and communicate. Talking to the public can help raise your profile and allow you to get your message across.
Do not underestimate the power of marketing, whether that be traditional media, podcasts, blogs or news articles, to shed a light on your venture and to get ahead of the competition.
Write and Publish
Avi Loeb is a prolific writer. Whether that be scientific papers on many astronomical subjects or published books on his theories.
His books, “Extraterrestrial” and “Interstellar”, lay out his controversial theories that our solar system was recently visited by advanced alien technology from a distant star.
What can entrepreneurs learn? Simply put, great minds publish. Whether that be writing a book, a blog, scientific papers or industry journals.
It’s practically essential that entrepreneurs get their ideas out there, unfiltered and unedited.
As an entrepreneur, the easiest way to get your deepest insights out there is to publish them. The added bonus is that it also helps to raise your profile.
Read this article on how to create a personal brand:
Be Different
Avi Loeb is not afraid to be different. Unlike many of his peers, he is not afraid to speculate that there is a possibility that 3I/ATLAS may be “alien technology”.
He is not saying it’s definitely alien tech; he is simply saying that we should include that hypothesis as part of the discussion due to the unusual data.
Although his theories sound incredible, almost unbelievable, there’s room in the data to suggest there is a chance he may be correct.
Avi Loeb suggests that scientists should grade interstellar objects based on the likelihood that they could be artificial in origin or from an advanced extraterrestrial civilisation.
As such, he proposes the Loeb Scale, a scale between one and ten that indicates the probability that an interstellar object is of artificial origin. One on the scale being highly likely to be naturally occurring and ten being extremely likely to be of technological origin.
Incidentally, Loeb puts 3I/ATLAS as a four on the scale, a 40% chance of being extraterrestrial!
“Quantitative Mapping of the Loeb Scale”
— (Loeb, others)
arXiv: 2509.06253 arXiv+1
(Further development / quantification of the Loeb Scale, with 3I/ATLAS as a test case.)
What can entrepreneurs learn? Don’t be afraid to take risks and do things differently. The road to success is not always a straight line.
By doing things differently, you not only stand out from the crowd but also create a unique niche for yourself and your venture in the marketplace.
Criticism
It would be disingenuous to write an article about the virtues of speculative and forward thinking without talking about the downsides.
Unfortunately, Avi Loeb has faced intense criticism for simply having the guts to voice his opinions. After all, he is a Harvard head of astrophysics and a PhD. He has immense knowledge on the subject matter, so his insight should carry significant weight.
Regardless, many traditional scientists and sceptics have resorted to attacks rather than a measured rebuttal of the arguments Loeb proposes.
These attacks have included vilification of his credibility, rumours of media manipulation and accusations of fraud.
Of course, all of these claims are totally without merit. Loeb himself is head of a project named the Galileo Project that aims to investigate UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon) within Earth’s atmosphere.
The project is named after Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de’ Galilei an Italian astronomer who proposed that the Earth orbited around the Sun in the early 17th century, contrary to the beliefs of the time.
Unfortunately, the Church put Galileo on trial for heresy, placed him under house arrest and banned his works. So the name of the project is fully appropriate.
What can entrepreneurs learn? Forward thinking and innovation come with a downside. Be prepared for intense criticism if you follow this path.
Unfortunately, human nature has the capacity to turn ugly when threatened with new ideas.
Critics will laugh, question your character, ostracise and accuse you of all manner of things, but if you have followed the evidence and data and acted with professionalism, eventually you just might be proved right.
Final Thoughts
The data has already proven Avi Loeb correct, that 3I/ATLAS is indeed anomalous and is unlike any other interstellar object that has entered the solar system. The question still remains, however, whether it is of alien technological origin?
The answer to that question could reveal itself once 3I/ATLAS approaches the sun and hides behind it on Oct 24th. If it suddenly changes direction or accelerates unconventionally, we may have our answer.
Until then, forward-thinking entrepreneurs should prepare themselves for potential criticism for their radical thinking.
Such entrepreneurs can take a leaf out of Professor Loeb’s book and propel their ventures forward by following key market data in their industry, be effective marketers by publishing their insights and be bold enough to go where no entrepreneur has gone before.
Good luck!
Read about the full ‘Alien Agenda’ in an exciting Sci-Fi – Illustrated Screenplay Format Book – Limited edition copies available on Amazon. Virtual Heaven (Back to Reality) – by Graham Jules.
Pop Up World token has a growing ecosystem and is one to watch for the future.
Let’s do something and help the homeless with the Pop Up World Homeless Card.
The concept is simple:
Step 1. Purchase some Homeless Cards and staple £20 or $20 to the Homeless Card.
Step 2. Place the Homeless Card with the attached funds in your pocket or purse.
Step 3. When you pass a homeless person in the street give them the Homeless Card with your contribution. Walk away and spread the word!
£20 or $20 can often pay or go towards one night of accommodation for a homeless person. Let’s make a change today!
Order the Homeless Card Here x5
Order the Homeless Card Here x10
Order the Homeless Card Here x20
Don’t Forget To Spread The Word!
***Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice and is given for informational and entertainment purposes only. Readers should conduct their own research and not invest more than they can afford to lose. Crypto is extremely volatile, and as such can drop in value considerably without notice. Pop Up World has a global presence and is not specifically targeting any jurisdiction with its content. Any crypto references are not intended for UK businesses or consumers. You should always seek legal advice to understand if the use or investment in crypto is allowed in your jurisdiction.
Pop Up World YouTube Reviews:
Review. Malik Atif – Hindi -Urdu
Review. Inside Crypto – Hindi – Urdu
Review. Convincing Crypto – English
The Pop Up World Token is designed specifically for entrepreneurs, to store value and to utilise on our platform Pop Up World. Join the revolution in financial freedom today.
Get the token on Cardano Decentralised Exchanges (DeXs), MuesliSwap, SundeSwap, Wingriders and Minswap. Or click the link here:
Pop Up World token has a growing ecosystem
Earn and help support the Pop Up World Blog and entrepreneurs worldwide by joining our Pop Up World Stakepool! Go to https://popupworld.co.uk/popupworldstaking
Thanks!
Want to learn how to stake on Cardano? Read this article:
It starts with an idea. Pop Up World is a platform that helps start-ups and small businesses reach for the stars. No matter what size you are. Use our start-up guide Business Zero to Superhero, Design your Logo. Connect with investors via our Investor Connector. You can start a Website and Domain name. You can Search for and promote your Premises. You can promote your idea for free on our Pop Up World Ads site, you can even form a Limited Company You can also join us on our journey via the Pop Up World Token (PUW).
Pop Up World Blog 
2 thoughts on “Avi Loeb and 3I/ATLAS – What Can Entrepreneurs Learn?”