Comet 3I/ATLAS, also known as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS), is the third known interstellar object to enter our Solar System. It was first observed by the NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, on July 1, 2025. This is why the comet has 'ATLAS' in its name. '3I' is for the third observed interstellar (I) object to stumble into our solar system.
Sensitive radio observations looked for technosignatures on 3I/ATLAS and found silence
The search focused on narrowband signals used by all of humanity's spacecraft but found nothing.
Dec 31, 2025
Where is interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS now? Current position and visibility
The interstellar comet has already made its way past Earth and is on its journey towards interstellar space now.
Dec 26, 2025
From life on Mars to interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS: 5 space discoveries that defined 2025
The year has been extraordinary for the astronomical community, as groundbreaking findings have defined 2025.
Dec 26, 2025
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS found to 'wobble' as it spews gas and dust
This is the first detailed detection of a jet of gas and dust shooting out from an interstellar comet's center.
Dec 24, 2025
Are materials from 3I/ATLAS on their way towards Earth? Avi Loeb shares his thoughts
The astronomer looked into the possibility of materials from 3I/ATLAS hitting Earth following the comet's closest approach.
Dec 23, 2025
3I/ATLAS: Where is the interstellar comet headed next after skimming past Earth?
On Friday, December 19, the comet made its closest pass to Earth, safely cruising by at a distance of approximately 167 million miles.
Dec 22, 2025
NASA's Europa Clipper captured a unique ultraviolet view of 3I/ATLAS
The Europa Clipper imaged the comet when Earth-based observation was not possible.
Dec 19, 2025
Astrophotographer livestreaming 3I/ATLAS at closest approach says he doesn't 'believe it is a comet'
Texas astrophotographer Raman Madhira is questioning the object’s identity, claiming it fails to meet the standard criteria for a comet.
Dec 19, 2025
A closer look at the latest 3I/ATLAS image in X-ray light: What ESA's XMM-Newton observed
Most telescopes capture comets in visible light, but XMM-Newton deployed its high-sensitivity EPIC-pn camera for a 20-hour deep dive into 3I/ATLAS.
Dec 19, 2025
3I/ATLAS latest update: Where to watch the interstellar comet livestream on December 19
The object was first spotted on July 1, 2025, by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope based in Rio Hurtado, Chile.
Dec 19, 2025
Here are some quick facts about 3I/ATLAS ahead of its closest approach to Earth
Discovered in July by the ATLAS telescope in Chile, this comet is on a one-way trip through our solar system.
Dec 19, 2025
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS's closest approach to Earth: Date, time and naked-eye visibility
The object was first officially spotted on July 1, 2025, by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope based in Rio Hurtado, Chile.
Dec 19, 2025
Comet 3I/ATLAS makes its closest approach to Earth: Skywatching tips, livestream and more
The closest approach of comet 3I/ATLAS to Earth will happen on Friday, 19 December 2025, at a distance of 1.798 Astronomical Units.
Dec 18, 2025
NASA missions observing 3I/ATLAS as it makes its closest approach to Earth
Though officially detected by a NASA-funded ATLAS on July 1, archival records show the comet was actually captured on film as early as mid-June.
Dec 18, 2025
How far away is interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS from Earth on December 17? Latest coordinates
Now passing through the constellation Leo, the interstellar object sits at a distance so immense that the light from it takes about 15 minutes to reach us.
Dec 17, 2025
Solar wind from giant coronal hole expected to hit Earth just before 3I/ATLAS' closest approach
A pair of massive solar eruptions, known as coronal mass ejections, was detected on December 16 and is currently on a direct collision course with Earth.
Dec 17, 2025
3I/ATLAS' anti-tail longer than Earth–Moon distance, Harvard's Avi Loeb reiterates technological possibility
The average distance between Earth and the Moon is 384,400 kilometers (about 238,855 miles).
Dec 16, 2025
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will reach its closest approach to Earth this week—will it be visible to the naked eye?
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is currently visible in the constellation Leo, though its faint brightness of magnitude 12.5 means it is difficult to spot.
Dec 15, 2025
Comet 3I/ATLAS displays greenish hue in new Gemini North images
Captured by the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on November 26, 2025, this striking green hue replaces the comet's previously observed reddish color.
Dec 15, 2025
3I/ATLAS update: First X-ray detection suggests the comet behaves like its solar system counterparts
The 17-hour X-ray study, performed in late November 2025, captured a subtle X-ray glow emanating from 3I/ATLAS's core.
Dec 11, 2025