Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS is a mysterious visitor from deep space that has taken the internet by storm. Social media has been buzzing with videos, posts, and theories about this rare cosmic traveler, with many calling it the “guest from another galaxy”. Space enthusiasts and curious users alike are fascinated by its journey through our solar system, especially since such interstellar objects are extremely rare. People online are eager to know where it came from, how close it will get to Earth, and whether it can be seen in the night sky.
But what exactly is 3I/ATLAS, why is it getting so much attention, and will you be able to see it? We are here to answer all your queries. Let’s break down what scientists and NASA have revealed about this unusual comet, its origins beyond our solar system, and what we can expect as it makes its closest approach to the Sun.
What exactly is 3I/ATLAS?
According to NASA’s official website, Comet 3I/ATLAS is the “third known object from outside our solar system to pass through our cosmic neighborhood”. Astronomers identified it as an interstellar object because its orbit is hyperbolic, meaning it doesn’t circle the Sun like planets or regular comets do. By studying its path, scientists found that it came from beyond our solar system.
Nasa added that the comet poses no danger to Earth and that it will stay very far away. Its closest distance to Earth will be about 1.8 astronomical units, or around 270 million kilometers. It will come nearest to the Sun on October 30, 2025, at about 1.4 astronomical units, just inside Mars’ orbit.
Astronomers around the world are studying the comet’s size and features. It was visible through ground telescopes until September 2025. By early December 2025, it will reappear on the other side of the Sun, allowing scientists to observe it again.
Can you watch the comet from Earth?
Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS will be reaching its closest point to the Sun on Thursday, but neither astronomers nor interested skygazers will be able to witness it. As reported by Space.com, the comet has been in solar conjunction since the end of September, meaning it is hidden by the Sun’s bright light. Because of this, it cannot be seen through any telescopes on Earth or in orbit.
