Tonight, January 22, 2026, you can witness the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it reaches opposition. This means it will be opposite the sun in the sky, making it an exciting time for skywatchers. The Virtual Telescope Project in Italy will provide a live view starting at 6:30 PM EST.
While many are eager to catch a glimpse, cloudy weather might spoil the view, as happened during the January 16 livestream. Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies!
During opposition, 3I/ATLAS will be at its brightest. However, it is expected to have a magnitude of +13.2, which means it won’t be visible to the naked eye. Only through large telescopes will you be able to see it, as noted by the Comet Observation Database.
The Journey of 3I/ATLAS
3I/ATLAS was first spotted on July 1, 2025, by scientists working with data from NASA’s ATLAS project. It is considered the third interstellar visitor to our solar system, following 1I/ ‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov. After its close approach to the sun on October 31, 2025, it vanished momentarily behind the sun’s glare.
Following that, it made a close pass by Earth on December 19. Next, in March 2026, it will fly by Jupiter at a distance of about 33.4 million miles (53.7 million km). After that, 3I/ATLAS will continue its journey out of the solar system, never to return.
It’s fascinating to think how much we’ve learned since the first interstellar comet was discovered. The advancements in our observational technology allow us to spot these rare visitors and understand our place in the universe better.
In social media trends, people are showing excitement for tonight’s event. Many have been sharing their anticipation under hashtags related to comet watching, indicating a growing interest in astronomy.
Want to learn more about how observations like this influence science? According to a recent report from the NASA, understanding comets and their paths can provide insights into the solar system’s history and materials that contributed to its formation.
