Category: comets

3I/ATLAS is heading away from the sun on an escape trajectory from our solar system.

In late April 2026, a long-period comet will swing through the inner solar system. It will likely be visible with binoculars, and there's a small chance it could be seen with the naked eye.

3I/ATLAS may have moved away from Earth as it makes its way out of the solar system, but this interstellar intruder continues to delight and surprise astronomers.

Highlights from a cometary trio that captured our imaginations.

3I/ATLAS has now made its closest approach to the sun and Earth and is now heading back out toward the outer solar system.

For one, it came down to timing.

A rare interstellar comet has been caught in X-rays by two space telescopes, revealing how its gases interact with charged particles from the sun as it travels through the inner solar system.

NASA JPL pinpoints the moment the interstellar visitor passes closest to our planet.

The livestream will now begin Friday at 11 p.m. EST, Dec. 19 (0400 GMT on Dec. 20), weather permitting, after rain prevented a broadcast on Thursday night.

Friday, Dec. 19, 2025: Your daily feed for the holiday flyby of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS by Earth.