NASA is set to unveil stunning images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. The live briefing is on November 19 at 3 p.m. EST, and you can catch it online.
Discovered on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS observatory, 3I/ATLAS is the third known interstellar comet in our solar system. Its predecessors, 1I/’Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, were identified in 2017 and 2019, respectively. This comet reached its closest point to the Sun on October 29, coming within about 130 million miles (210 million kilometers).
Recent data from NASA shows that comets can exhibit increased activity when they pass near the Sun. Experts suggest this could mean exciting new insights from the upcoming images. According to NASA, their various science missions will allow for continuous observation of 3I/ATLAS as it travels through our solar neighborhood. This unique capability comes from using both spacecraft and ground-based telescopes, providing a multi-angle view of its behavior.
The comet’s closest approach to Mars occurred on October 3, passing just 19 million miles (30 million kilometers) away. However, when 3I/ATLAS swings by Earth on December 19, it will be a safe distance of about 170 million miles (270 million kilometers).
User reactions on social media show enthusiasm for this astronomical event. Many people are eager to see the new images and share their interpretations. As NASA continues to explore the depths of our solar system, the excitement around 3I/ATLAS serves as a reminder of how much there is still to learn.
For those curious about the science behind comets, you can find more detailed insights through NASA’s official page here.
Stay tuned for what could be the beginning of new discoveries about comets and their significance in our understanding of the universe.
