Professor Avi Loeb is a leading astrophysicist at Harvard University, renowned for his provocative theories on interstellar objects and extraterrestrial life. In 2025, he continues to inspire global curiosity through his research on 3I/ATLAS and his public outreach. Loeb is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Physical Society, and the International Academy of Astronautics. In 2015, he was appointed as the science theory director for the Breakthrough Initiatives of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation.
Professor Loeb has published popular science books including Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth (2021) and Interstellar: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Our Future in the Stars (2023). Professor Loeb remains a bold voice in astrophysics, challenging conventional wisdom and inviting the public to explore the cosmos with open minds.
Since 2017, Professor Loeb has argued that alien space craft may be in the Solar System, arguing that ʻOumuamua and other interstellar objects, including the reputedly interstellar meteor CNEOS 2014-01-08, are potential examples of such craft. These claims have been widely rejected by the scientific community. In 2023, he claimed to have recovered spherules formed by the impact of CNEOS 2014-01-08 that he alleged could be evidence of an alien starship, but the location in the ocean where he recovered the spherules was based on mistaking a seismic signal from a truck for the impact of the meteor.
Academic and Professional Background
- Full Name: Abraham "Avi" Loeb
- Born: February 26, 1962, Beit Hanan, Israel
- Education: BSc, MSc, and PhD in Physics from Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Current Position: Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University
- Affiliations:
- Director, Institute for Theory and Computation at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (since 2007)
- Head, Galileo Project (since 2021)
- Founding Director, Black Hole Initiative (2016–2021)
- Former Chair, Harvard Astronomy Department (2011–2020)
Research and Publications
- Loeb has authored over 1,000 scientific papers and 9 books, including:
- Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth (2021)
- Interstellar: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Our Future in the Stars (2023)
- His work spans black holes, first stars and galaxies, cosmic evolution, and techno signatures.
Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS and Public Engagement
- In 2025, Loeb is at the forefront of research on 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object he describes as “a gift from interstellar space.”
- He has identified 10 anomalies in its composition, including an unusual nickel-to-iron ratio and a carbon dioxide-rich gas plume, suggesting it may be of technological origin.
- Loeb emphasizes that his theories are data-driven and rooted in scientific curiosity: “In science we are often intrigued by anomalies that are inconsistent with past paradigms.”
Cultural Impact and Global Reach
- Loeb’s work has sparked worldwide fascination, especially among young aspiring scientists.
- He receives letters from across the globe—from Mexico to South Korea—praising his ability to make science accessible and inspiring.
- His 2024 TED Talk was among the top ten most popular of the year.
Honors and awards
Loeb has received many honors, including:
1987 – The Kennedy Prize of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
2002 – Guggenheim Fellowship
2004 – Distinguished Visiting Professorship at the Faculty of Physics & Einstein Center for Theoretical Physics of the Weizmann Institute of Science
2006/7 – John Bahcall Lecturer at the Tel Aviv University
2006 – Salpeter Lectureship at Cornell University
2012 – Time magazine's 25 most influential people in space.
2012 – Elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
2012 – Galileo Galilei Chair (Cattedra Galileiana) Award of the Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
2013 – Chambliss Astronomical Writing Award from the American Astronomical Society, for the book How Did the First Stars and Galaxies Form? (2010)
2014 – Member of the Board on Physics and Astronomy (BPA) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
2015 – Elected Fellow of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) SETI Permanent Committee
2015 – Elected Member of the American Physical Society (APS)
2020 – Appointed to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
Fellow of:
American Academy of Arts & Sciences
American Physical Society
International Academy of Astronautics
• Former member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)
• Chaired the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative Advisory Committee (2015–2024)
FOR MORE INFORMORATION
ABOUT
PROFESSOR
AVI LOEB
VISIT THESE LINKS
https://lweb.cfa.harvard.edu/~loeb/
https://astronomy.fas.harvard.edu/people/avi-loeb
https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2024/04/avi-loeb-galileo-project
https://sites.psu.edu/astrowright/2025/07/18/avi-and-3i-atlas/
PROFESSOR AVI LOEB
WILL BE APPEARING
NOVEMBER 12TH
ON INTERVIEWING THE LEGENDS
WITH RAY SHASHO
THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY
The Liberty Code is a thrilling blend of science fiction, political intrigue, and military strategy. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and timely themes, this novel offers a captivating journey through a world where the line between fiction and reality blurs. It's a must-read for fans of dystopian futures, extraterrestrial encounters, and high-stakes political drama.
Are you ready to decode the secrets of The Liberty Code and join the fight for Earth's future?
NOW!
In a near-future America, where democracy has collapsed under the iron grip of the Commonwealth Party, redemption lies in the unlikeliest of places—a novel. The Liberty Code, penned by decorated Marine veteran and journalist Sam Edwards, uncovers the hidden truths of a dystopian world teetering on the edge of annihilation.
Guided by telepathic messages from two Centauri extraterrestrial ambassadors, J-Rod and Naxia, who secretly collaborate with the U.S. Air Force, Edwards reveals a master plan to save Earth. This gripping tale begins as fiction but evolves into a stark reality, reflecting real-world geopolitical conflicts and revolutionary military operations.
