Catch Comet 3I/ATLAS’s Interstellar Journey Live Tonight
Catch the spectacular interstellar journey of comet 3I/ATLAS tonight, January 22, 2026. This live event will showcase the comet at opposition, directly opposite the sun in Earth’s sky, as it speeds away from our solar system.
Live Stream Details
The Virtual Telescope Project will broadcast live views from its robotic telescopes in Manciano, Italy. The livestream is set to commence at 6:30 p.m. EST (23:30 GMT). However, viewers should be aware that weather conditions may affect visibility, a scenario that caused the earlier livestream on January 16 to be canceled.
Understanding Opposition
- Magnitude Scale: The apparent brightness of celestial objects is measured in magnitude.
- Brightness Comparisons: The brightest stars shine at approximately Magnitude +1, while the moon is at -13 and the sun at -27.
During opposition, celestial bodies are best positioned for observation, appearing fully illuminated from Earth’s perspective. Unfortunately, comet 3I/ATLAS is expected to only reach a magnitude of +13.2, making it too faint for naked-eye visibility. Observers will need large telescopes to spot the comet.
A Brief History of 3I/ATLAS
Comet 3I/ATLAS was discovered on July 1, 2025, by astronomers using data from the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). Initial analyses of its orbit identified it as the third interstellar object to visit our solar system, following 1I/’Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
Key Moments in Its Journey
- Closest Approach to the Sun: October 31, 2025.
- Perigee Pass Near Earth: December 19, 2025.
- Upcoming Planetary Flyby: March 2026, when it will pass 33.4 million miles (53.7 million km) from Jupiter.
After this flyby, comet 3I/ATLAS will continue on its one-way path beyond the solar system, never to be observed again. Tune in tonight to witness this unique astronomical event live on Filmogaz.com.
