The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will make its nearest pass by Earth on December 19, offering a rare opportunity for scientists – and dedicated observers – to study an object originating from outside our solar system. While not visible to the naked eye, the comet’s approach provides valuable data on interstellar objects and the conditions of space between stars.
Livestream Viewing Opportunity
A free livestream hosted by the Virtual Telescope Project will begin on Thursday, December 18, at 11 p.m. EST (0400 GMT on Dec. 19). The broadcast will continue through the comet’s closest approach at 1 a.m. EST (0600 GMT). Weather conditions permitting, the livestream will allow a real-time view of the comet as it makes its closest pass.
For those equipped with larger telescopes (8 inches or greater), under dark skies, the comet may appear as a faint, fuzzy patch of light. However, casual observers should not expect a spectacular naked-eye sighting.
Discovery and Significance
The comet was discovered in July by astronomer Larry Denneau using the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Hawaii. Initially mistaken for a typical Near Earth Object, further observations confirmed its interstellar origin.
3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar visitor to pass through our solar system, following ‘Oumuamua and comet 2I/Borisov. Studying these objects is critical because they carry information about the environments in which they formed, providing clues about other star systems. As Darryl Z. Seligman of Michigan State University notes, this is potentially the first time the comet has approached a star, making the observation uniquely valuable.
What This Means
The significance of 3I/ATLAS lies in its ability to serve as a cosmic messenger. Interstellar objects like this one offer a glimpse into the composition and evolution of planetary systems beyond our own. By studying the comet’s trajectory and composition, astronomers can refine models of interstellar space and gain insights into the origins of our own solar system.
The comet will reach its closest point at approximately 168 million miles (270 million kilometers) before continuing its journey out of our solar system. This flyby marks a unique scientific opportunity that will not be repeated for decades, if not centuries.
The comet 3I/ATLAS represents a rare chance to study interstellar material firsthand, helping scientists understand the broader galactic context of our own solar system.
This close encounter highlights the dynamic nature of space and the constant flow of materials between stars, shaping the evolution of planetary systems throughout the Milky Way.
