
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
Tune in on Nov. 16 to witness detailed telescopic views of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it races headlong away from the sun on an escape trajectory from our solar system, courtesy of a livestream hosted by the Virtual Telescope Project.
The Virtual Telescope Project's YouTube livestream begins at 11:15 p.m. ET on Nov. 16 (0415 GMT on Nov. 17) and will feature live views of comet 3I/ATLAS captured by the organization's suite of robotic telescopes situated in Manciano, Italy.
Comet 3I/ATLAS was discovered on July 1 earlier this year and was swiftly confirmed to be just the third interstellar object ever to visit our solar system, based on an analysis of its trajectory. The interstellar comet recently made its closest approach to the sun on Oct. 30 during an event known to astronomers as "perihelion" and has only recently emerged out from behind our parent star.
Virtual Telescope Project founder Gianluca Masi captured a stunning image of comet 3I/ATLAS on Nov. 11, which revealed the interstellar invader's glowing central coma and lengthening smoke-like ion tail being carried away by the solar wind.
3I/ATLAS can currently be found rising above the eastern horizon in the hours directly preceding dawn in mid-to-late November, travelling through the stars of the constellation Virgo.
With an estimated magnitude (or brightness) of +10.9, 3I/ATLAS is too dim to be spotted by the naked eye, though a small backyard telescope will be capable of resolving its bright central coma as a fuzzy blob of diffuse light against the sharper points of the stars beyond.
Editor's Note: If you would like to share your astrophotography with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to [email protected].
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Earth’s magnetic field protects life on Earth from radiation, but it can move, and the magnetic poles can even flip - 2
Instructions to Pick the Right Senior Protection Plan. - 3
Former 'Bachelorette' welcomes 1st baby via emergency c-section - 4
I watched more than 500 new movies this year. These are the 25 best ones. - 5
Climate engineering would alter the oceans, reshaping marine life – our new study examines each method’s risks
Step by step instructions to Protect Your Retirement with Senior Protection.
The Most Encouraging New companies to Look Out For
How will the universe end?
Planet-eating stars hint at Earth's ultimate fate
Deadly Switzerland ski resort fire was likely started by sparklers attached to champagne bottles, officials say
Interpreter Starts Sobbing as 11-Year-Old Testifies About Last Time He Saw His Mom Before She Was Killed in Missile Strike
Get Cooking: 15 Speedy and Heavenly Recipes for Occupied Individuals
German police 'cleared path for fascists with batons,' protesters say
What to know about MIT professor Nuno Loureiro and the investigation into his shooting













