Ask Ethan: Did we recover alien technology from the bottom of the ocean?

Bigthink.com delves into the intriguing possibility that an object striking Earth's oceans in 2014, possibly from beyond our Solar System, might be evidence of alien technology. Avi Loeb, a Harvard astronomer, claims that metal spheres recovered from the ocean floor, after he conducted a submarine expedition, support this hypothesis. The author, Ethan Siegel, critically examines Loeb's assertions and the scientific basis for his claims.

The piece starts by recounting the origins of the metal spheres, which Loeb believes are of interstellar origin. It highlights the violent nature of our Universe, with objects from the asteroid and Kuiper belts frequently impacting celestial bodies, including Earth. The article introduces the interstellar objects 'Oumuamua and Borisov as examples, emphasizing their large size compared to typical impacts.

Siegel questions the validity of Loeb's claims, particularly regarding an object, designated CNEOS 20140108, which allegedly struck Earth in 2014. The author emphasizes the lack of quantified uncertainties in the Department of Defense data Loeb relies on, critiquing the evidence as weak and calling into question its acceptance within the scientific community.

The narrative shifts to Loeb's subsequent submarine expedition, financed by a cryptocurrency multimillionaire, aimed at recovering the purported interstellar object from the deep Pacific Ocean. Siegel scrutinizes the expedition, highlighting two major disputes: the confidence in the interstellar nature of the object and the untested idea of pinpointing its location for recovery.

The article discusses the challenges in determining the origin of metal spheres recovered during the expedition. It contrasts the 2014 object's characteristics with those of a previously recovered meteorite in 2018, pointing out the uncertainties and differences that cast doubt on Loeb's claims. Additionally, the author notes the prevalence of iron-based metal spherules in ocean floor dredging, suggesting a terrestrial origin.

Siegel critiques the lack of evidence supporting the claim that these metal spheres are of extraterrestrial origin. He questions Loeb's analyses and draws attention to the absence of independent confirmation. The article concludes by cautioning against unfounded speculation and emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific evidence before making extraordinary claims.

In essence, the article thoroughly scrutinizes Avi Loeb's assertions regarding the metal spheres recovered from the ocean floor, highlighting inconsistencies, disputing the evidence, and urging caution in accepting extraordinary claims without robust scientific support.

For the complete and detailed analysis of Avi Loeb's claims and the examination of the recovered metal spheres, you can read the full article by Ethan Siegel on Big Think here: https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/alien-technology-ocean/