The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is set to make a close approach to the Sun on October 29, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in its journey through the Solar System. This event, known as perihelion, presents a unique opportunity for scientific exploration and raises intriguing questions about the nature of this celestial visitor. As the object hurtles towards its closest point to the Sun, the question arises: is it a natural comet or something more? The answer may lie in the object’s trajectory and its potential for technological signatures. The author, Avi Loeb, highlights the importance of perihelion as the ‘acid test’ for 3I/ATLAS, suggesting that its behavior and characteristics during this period could reveal its true nature. The object’s journey continues with a close approach to Venus and a potential observation by the ESA’s Juice mission en route to Jupiter. The author’s research team, including the Galileo Project, is actively monitoring for any unusual activity or technological signatures that could provide insight into the object’s origin and purpose. The article concludes with a call for cosmic modesty and a reminder that we should observe and understand our interstellar ‘dating partners’ rather than relying on limited imagination. The author also mentions the release of his podcast episode on the Joe Rogan Experience, where he discusses the search for alien technologies and the potential threat they may pose.