Track Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS During Closest Approach

The interstellar comet **3I/ATLAS** will make its closest approach to Earth on **December 19, 2023**, at **01:00 EST** (06:00 GMT). Discovered on **July 1, 2023**, by astronomers using the **Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS)**, this comet is only the third known object to visit our solar system from another star. It follows **’Oumuamua** in 2017 and **2I/Borisov**, which passed near the sun in 2019.

At its closest point, **3I/ATLAS** will still be approximately **170 million miles** (273 million kilometers) away from Earth, rendering it invisible to the naked eye. Observers with telescopes of at least **12 inches** (30 centimeters) may catch a glimpse of it as a faint point of light in the **Leo constellation**. For those without telescopes, several resources are available to track the comet’s journey as it continues on its path out of the solar system.

Tracking 3I/ATLAS with NASA Resources

One of the most accessible ways to follow **3I/ATLAS** is through **NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System** tool. This interactive platform uses data from various agency missions to create a detailed 3D model of the solar system. Users can visualize the orbits of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies, including **3I/ATLAS**.

Simply search for “3I/ATLAS” in the application, and you can see its trajectory, which will take it beyond the orbit of **Mars** before heading towards a flyby of **Jupiter** on **March 12, 2026**. This tool allows users to scroll through time, replaying key moments in the comet’s passage through our solar system.

Additional Tracking Options for Stargazers

For those interested in monitoring the comet’s brightness, the **Comet Observation Database (COBS)** offers detailed insights. Managed by the **Crni Vrh Observatory** in Slovenia, this database collects observations from amateur astronomers. It tracks how the brightness of **3I/ATLAS** has changed over time, particularly after its closest approach to the sun on **October 31**.

Observers can see how the comet’s brightness has diminished as it moves away from the sun’s light. This data provides a clearer picture of **3I/ATLAS**’s characteristics as it continues its journey.

For a live experience, the **Virtual Telescope Project** will host a free YouTube livestream of the comet on **December 18, 2023**, starting at **23:00 EST** (04:00 GMT on December 19). This event will feature real-time images captured by robotic telescopes located in **Manciano, Italy**.

If you prefer a mobile option, astronomy apps like **Stellarium** can help you locate the patch of sky where **3I/ATLAS** resides. Utilizing augmented reality technology, these apps guide users to find celestial objects, enhancing the skywatching experience.

As **3I/ATLAS** continues its journey out of the solar system, it will eventually fade from view, marking a unique opportunity for amateur astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. While the comet may not be observable without the aid of telescopes, these tools and resources ensure that everyone can participate in tracking this remarkable visitor from beyond our solar system.