Interstellar Comet 3i Stlas Visibility: 3I/ATLAS, a rare interstellar comet, has reappeared from behind the Sun and is currently visible from Earth, offering skywatchers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe such an object that originated beyond our solar system.

Now visible in the eastern pre-dawn sky throughout November, this comet reached its closest point to the Sun, or perihelion, last week. Astronomers say the comet should be visible using a small telescope or high-quality binoculars in clear skies.

Visitor From Another Star System

NASA confirmed that 3I/ATLAS is the third known interstellar object ever detected, after ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Unlike typical comets, which trace elliptical orbits around the Sun, 3I/ATLAS follows a hyperbolic trajectory, meaning it will sweep through the solar system only once before continuing into deep space.

Formed around 10 billion years ago, this ancient object is believed to carry material untouched since the early days of the galaxy. Astronomers say studying it could help understand how other star systems formed.

Ideal Viewing Conditions Through November

Dr. Franck Marchis, Senior Astronomer and Director of Citizen Science at the SETI Institute, said November offers the best window for observation. “Comet 3I/ATLAS will shine near Venus and the bright star Spica in the constellation Virgo. Around early November, it rises about two hours before sunrise and can be spotted with a telescope or good binoculars,” he said.

The brightness of the comet is estimated to reach a magnitude of 10 at maximum, which is very faint but still detectable by amateur equipment. Its activity has developed more since passing the Sun, and thus the chances of visibility are higher than initially forecast.

Many large observatories are unable to study 3I/ATLAS directly due to its low position on the horizon. This opened the door for amateur astronomers around the world to capture valuable data. “Unistellar’s network of 25,000 citizen astronomers is working with SETI scientists to record real-time data that will help study the composition and motion of the comet,” Dr. Marchis added.

Indeed, several enthusiasts have already photographed the comet. Recently, astronomer Yicheng Zhang at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona got a clear image with a six-inch telescope, confirming that “the comet is now easily visible with small telescopes.”

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How To Spot Comet 3I/ATLAS

3I/ATLAS is expected to make its closest approach to Earth, at 1.8 astronomical units (approximately 270 million kilometres), on December 19, 2025. Scientists have stated it does not pose a threat to our planet.

• Observe in the pre-dawn hours, looking toward the eastern sky.
• Use a telescope with at least an eight-inch aperture, or good binoculars.
• Locate Venus or Spica in Virgo as reference points.
• Follow its position with apps like SkySafari, Stellarium, or NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System.