Comet 3I/ATLAS Is Leaving the Solar System: How To See It Before It’s Gone

Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object first spotted in July, is making its closest approach to the sun and will soon be leaving our solar system. While it was temporarily obscured from Earth's view after passing behind the sun in late October, it is expected to become visible again in early December. Stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere can look for it in the coming week as it moves northward in the night sky and increases in brightness. The comet will make its next closest pass to Earth on December 19, 2025, coming within 168 million miles, or about 1.8 times the distance between Earth and the sun. This close approach allows for potential observation with telescopes of 30 centimeters aperture or larger. Scientists have noted a rapid brightening of the c... download the app to read more