Key Highlights
- The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is visible in a free livestream on Nov. 18.
- The event was originally scheduled for Nov. 16 but delayed due to poor weather.
- The comet recently emerged from behind the sun and made its closest approach on Oct. 30.
- It can currently be found rising above the eastern horizon in the constellation Virgo.
Interstellar Comet’s Close Approach and Observations
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, a rare celestial visitor to our solar system, is set to make its closest approach on November 18 during a free livestream event hosted by the Virtual Telescope Project. Originally planned for November 16, the event was delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Comet’s Journey and Observational Highlights
The comet, discovered earlier this year on July 1st, is making its way through our solar system at an estimated magnitude of +10.9, far too dim for naked-eye observation but perfect for small backyard telescopes. Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project, captured a stunning image of the comet on November 11th, showing its glowing central coma and lengthening ion tail.
With an estimated magnitude of +10.9, Comet 3I/ATLAS is too faint to be seen with the naked eye but can be observed through small telescopes. The Virtual Telescope Project’s livestream on November 18 will offer detailed views of this interstellar visitor as it races away from the sun.
Comet’s Significance and Future Observations
The closest approach to the sun, known as perihelion, occurred on October 30th. Since then, the comet has only recently emerged out from behind our parent star, making it visible through ground-based telescopes.
During its journey, Comet 3I/ATLAS will pass close by Mars in December, providing an opportunity for spacecraft to observe and study this interstellar visitor. The Virtual Telescope Project’s livestream on November 18th is a unique chance for stargazers worldwide to witness the comet’s passage through our solar system.
For those interested in capturing their own images or sharing their observations with Space.com, the publication invites submissions of astrophotography related to this event.
The editorial team notes that Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) may split into three pieces after a close brush with the sun, highlighting its dynamic and unpredictable nature.
As Comet 3I/ATLAS continues its journey through our solar system, it serves as a reminder of the vastness and complexity of space. The upcoming livestream on November 18th offers an exciting opportunity for both amateur and professional astronomers to observe this rare celestial phenomenon.
