Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS to Make Closest Approach to Earth: How to Watch the Livestream
A rare opportunity to witness an interstellar visitor is unfolding this week as comet 3I/ATLAS makes its closest approach to Earth, and the event will be broadcast live online. The Virtual Telescope Project will begin a free livestream on December 18 at 11 p.m. EST (0400 GMT on December 19), offering real-time views of the comet captured from its robotic observatories in Manciano, Italy, contingent on favorable weather conditions.
A Cosmic First: Third Confirmed Interstellar Object
Discovered in July 2025 by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey, 3I/ATLAS has quickly become a focal point for scientists and space enthusiasts alike. This comet represents only the third confirmed interstellar object ever detected passing through our solar system, following the groundbreaking discoveries of 1I/’Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. The significance of this event lies in the potential for unlocking clues about the formation of planetary systems around other stars.
Closest Approach Details
The comet will reach its closest point to Earth at 1 a.m. EST (0600 GMT) on December 19. At that time, it will be approximately 1.8 astronomical units away – equivalent to roughly 168 million miles (270 million kilometers), or nearly twice the average Earth-sun distance.
Viewing Challenges and the Livestream Option
Observing 3I/ATLAS will present a challenge for even experienced amateur astronomers. The comet is too faint to be seen with the naked eye and will require significant magnification. According to reports, observers with a telescope of 8 inches or larger, under exceptionally dark skies, may be able to discern it as a faint, fuzzy patch of light. For those without access to such equipment, or who are hampered by light pollution, the livestream provides an accessible and convenient way to witness this extraordinary event.
Here’s the link to watch the livestream: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=
Why Study Interstellar Comets?
Researchers are particularly interested in analyzing the composition and behavior of 3I/ATLAS. These interstellar objects offer a unique window into the building blocks of other planetary systems, providing valuable data that cannot be obtained from studying objects within our own solar system. One analyst noted that understanding the characteristics of these visitors could fundamentally alter our understanding of planetary formation.
The study of 3I/ATLAS promises to be a pivotal moment in our ongoing exploration of the cosmos, offering a glimpse beyond our solar neighborhood and into the vast unknown.
