Tune in on November 16 to catch the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it zooms away from our Sun. The Virtual Telescope Project will offer a live stream featuring detailed telescopic views of this mesmerizing cosmic traveler.
The livestream starts at 11:15 PM ET (04:15 GMT on November 17) and will showcase images from robotic telescopes based in Manciano, Italy. It’s a rare opportunity to see an object from beyond our solar system!
Discovered on July 1, 2023, 3I/ATLAS is just the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through our solar system. It recently reached its closest point to the Sun on October 30 during a phase known as perihelion. Astronomers are eager to observe it as it emerges from behind the Sun.
Gianluca Masi, the founder of the Virtual Telescope Project, captured a stunning photo of 3I/ATLAS on November 11. This image shows its bright central coma and a trailing ion tail, beautifully illuminated by solar winds.
As for viewing this incredible comet, you can look for it in the early morning sky, rising above the eastern horizon. In mid to late November, it travels through the stars of the constellation Virgo. While its estimated brightness is around +10.9, it’s not visible to the naked eye. However, a small telescope should allow you to see its fuzzy glow against the backdrop of sharper stars.
Interestingly, the study of interstellar visitors like 3I/ATLAS provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of other star systems. According to the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the more we learn about such comets, the better we understand our own solar system’s history and the materials that formed it.
If you’re into astrophotography, consider sharing your shots of 3I/ATLAS. You might inspire others with your skywatching adventures!
For more details, check out the Virtual Telescope Project’s YouTube livestream.
