Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: Latest News and Viewing Guide
In November 2025, the rare interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will be visible, offering a unique opportunity to observe this extraordinary visitor from beyond our Solar System.
About 3I/ATLAS
3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar object ever discovered, first detected on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS survey telescope in Chile. Unlike typical comets, it spent weeks hidden behind the Sun and is now returning to the morning sky for observation.
Trajectory and Observation
After its solar conjunction, 3I/ATLAS can be tracked easily using the Sky Tonight app, which helps plan the best time for viewing its return in the morning sky.
Scientific Perspectives
The prevailing view, supported by NASA, ESA, and most astronomers, is that 3I/ATLAS is a natural comet, the third confirmed interstellar object alongside ‘Oumuamua and comet 2I/Borisov.
Ever since its discovery, Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb has questioned whether 3I/ATLAS is a normal comet at all. He points to its unusual brightness, precise path through the Solar System, and lack of clear cometary outgassing early on — arguing that it doesn’t behave like a comet.
Alternative Theories
Some propose more exotic explanations, suggesting that 3I/ATLAS might even be an alien probe passing through our Solar System, reflecting ongoing debate about its nature.
Summary
3I/ATLAS captivates astronomers and enthusiasts alike, combining rare natural phenomena with mysterious traits that invite both scientific study and speculation about its origins.
"Could it be an alien probe passing through our Solar System? Whatever you believe, you can track 3I/ATLAS in the Sky Tonight app."
Author's summary: The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS offers a rare glimpse of an extraordinary celestial visitor, blending solid science with intriguing mysteries about its true nature.
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