Did James Webb Space Telescope spotted 'Non-Natural' object moving towards Earth?

Claim: In September 2024, it was rumored that the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detected a large, non-natural object about 10 light-years away from Earth, supposedly moving towards our planet. The claim suggested the object was a spaceship due to its observed trajectory changes.

Rating: Unfounded

Summary: In late September 2024, several social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and TikTok, were abuzz with claims that the JWST had discovered potential extraterrestrial life. The rumors centered on an object spotted about 10 light-years away, purportedly altering its course towards Earth, thus implying it was an alien spaceship.

Snopes received numerous inquiries to fact-check this claim. Our investigation found no supporting evidence that the JWST had observed such an object, deeming the claim unfounded and likely false.

Background: The rumor appears to have originated from a YouTube video uploaded on September 17, 2024, by the Psicoactivo Podcast, which frequently discusses UFOs and alleged signs of alien life. The video suggested that members of Congress were briefed on this discovery, with the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Defense supposedly involved. The source of this information was not disclosed in the video.

Following this, other UFO and alien-themed content creators picked up the story. On September 21, 2024, Ask a Pol, a press group based in Washington, D.C., questioned U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, who chaired a 2022 congressional hearing on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). Carson did not comment on the JWST briefing, which some interpreted as a sign of classified information.

However, as pointed out by a commenter, "No comment is not confirmation that it happened."

Current Status: The rumor has since spread widely on social media, often treated as fact despite a lack of evidence. Our investigation found no official statements from NASA, other space agencies, or any congressional branch supporting the claim. While it's conceivable that agencies could be withholding information pending further data, the absence of any corroborating evidence beyond an anonymous rumor leads us to conclude the claim is unfounded.

Conclusion: The story of the JWST detecting a non-natural object moving towards Earth remains an unsubstantiated rumor. No credible evidence supports the existence of such an object, and official channels have not confirmed any such discovery.