Astronomers around the world are tracking Comet 3I/ATLAS, a rare interstellar visitor that entered our solar system earlier this year. Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on July 1, 2025, the comet has been confirmed as only the third known interstellar object ever detected, following 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
According to NASA, Comet 3I/ATLAS reached its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) around October 29–30, 2025, at roughly 1.4 astronomical units from the Sun. It will make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025, but will remain a safe 1.8 AU away.
Unlike bright comets visible to the naked eye, 3I/ATLAS will appear as a faint object, observable only with telescopes of 8-inch aperture or larger under dark-sky conditions. Scientists are particularly interested in its composition and behavior, as studying it could reveal how comets form and evolve in other planetary systems.
Currently, the comet is behind the Sun from Earth’s perspective but is expected to become visible again in mid-November. Observers can follow its live trajectory using NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System tool and other online trackers.
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