An interstellar comet, designated 3I/ATLAS, is currently offering a rare opportunity for astronomers and space enthusiasts alike as it makes its closest approach to Earth. First discovered in 2023,this comet originated outside our solar system,providing a unique glimpse into the composition of other planetary systems [[2]]. Today, November 19, 2025, the Virtual Telescope Project and NASA are sharing live images of 3I/ATLAS, following a brief delay due to the recent government shutdown.
An interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, recently became visible to observers on Earth, and the Virtual Telescope Project captured live images of its journey.
The Virtual Telescope Project broadcast a livestream of the comet on November 19, 2025, allowing anyone with an internet connection to view images taken by a robotic telescope located in Manciano, Italy. The telescope regularly monitors 3I/ATLAS and other celestial objects, but this event was unique as it provided real-time access to the observations for the public.
Now visible after passing behind the sun, 3I/ATLAS can be spotted by those with appropriate equipment, such as telescopes. However, observers shouldn’t expect a bright spectacle; the comet currently has a magnitude of approximately 10.4, making it relatively faint. This discovery underscores the ongoing efforts to identify and track objects originating from outside our solar system, offering insights into the formation of planetary systems.
Currently around 300 million kilometers from Earth, 3I/ATLAS is steadily approaching its closest point to our planet, which it will reach on December 19, 2025. Even at its closest, the comet will still be approximately 270 million kilometers away.
NASA is also scheduled to share images of 3I/ATLAS collected over recent weeks during a livestream event on November 19, 2025, at 9:00 PM. The release of these images was delayed due to a government shutdown, but the agency is now prepared to share its findings.
The Virtual Telescope Project’s broadcast began at 5:15 AM on November 19, 2025, and a recording of the livestream (in English) is available on the project’s YouTube channel.
(Photo: Gianluca Massi/The Virtual Telescope Project)
Fantasztikus felvétel a 3I/ATLAS-ról, ahogy egy galaxist “előz”
Különleges felvétel született a csillagközi utazóról.
