Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS reached its closest point to Earth at 1:00 AM EST (0600 GMT) on December 19th, at a distance of roughly 168 million miles (270 million kilometers). This event marks a rare opportunity for astronomers to study material originating from another star system.
What is 3I/ATLAS?
Discovered in July 2023 by NASA-funded telescopes, 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object confirmed to pass through our solar system. The first two were ‘Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019). These objects offer unique insights because they are remnants of planet formation around distant stars, giving scientists a glimpse into planetary systems beyond our own.
Why Does This Matter?
Interstellar comets are exceptionally rare, making each flyby scientifically valuable. Studying 3I/ATLAS at its closest approach allows astronomers to analyze its composition and trajectory in detail, helping them understand how other star systems form planets.
The comet is too distant to be visible with the naked eye, but its flyby provides a fleeting opportunity to examine material that originated around another star.
How to Follow the Flyby
For those interested in observing the event, the Virtual Telescope Project is hosting a livestream of the comet’s closest approach on Space.com, beginning at 11 PM EST on December 19th (0400 GMT on December 20th). The livestream will show the comet as it passes Earth, weather conditions permitting.
The study of interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS is vital for expanding our understanding of planetary formation beyond our solar system, and the current flyby provides a unique chance to gather valuable data. This research may eventually help us piece together how common or uncommon planetary systems like ours are in the universe.
