Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is making a special visit to our solar system. It will be closest to Earth on Friday, December 19, providing a unique chance to observe this rare traveler.
Discovered on July 1 by NASA’s ATLAS telescopes in Chile, 3I/ATLAS is just the third known interstellar object to swing by our planet. Earlier interstellar visitors include 1I/‘Oumuamua in 2017 and comet 2I/Borisov in 2019. This comet is on its way back to interstellar space after passing through our solar system.
During its closest approach, 3I/ATLAS will be about 1.8 astronomical units away, or around 168 million miles (270 million kilometers) from Earth—almost double the distance between the Earth and the Sun. The European Space Agency confirms there’s no danger to Earth; the comet will safely pass by.
Researchers are excited about this event. Observing 3I/ATLAS lets scientists study the dust and gases released from its icy core as it warms up in sunlight. This could reveal how comets and other planetary materials form around different stars.
Many space agencies are focusing on this comet. Recently, stunning new images from the Hubble Space Telescope and the JUICE Jupiter probe have shown the comet speeding through our inner solar system.
For those interested in following along, there’s a free livestream hosted by Gianluca Masi at the Virtual Telescope Project. The broadcast will start at 11 p.m. EST on December 18 (0400 GMT on December 19), weather permitting. You can find the livestream here.
As this cosmic wanderer passes by, it attracts attention not only from astronomers but also from curious minds all over social media. Many are sharing their thoughts and excitement about spotting 3I/ATLAS in the night sky.
In a recent survey, 75% of astronomy enthusiasts expressed eagerness to see and learn more about interstellar comets like 3I/ATLAS, highlighting a growing public interest in space exploration.
In summary, the arrival of 3I/ATLAS is more than just a celestial event—it’s an opportunity for learning and connection. With fresh insights from space agencies and revelations from our own skies, this comet showcases the wonders of our universe.
