Watch interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS make its closest approach to Earth in free livestream tonight

Comet 3I/ATLAS is set to reach its closest point to Earth overnight from December 18 to 19, 2025, marking a significant event for astronomers and space enthusiasts. This interstellar comet, the third of its kind detected, offers a unique opportunity for observation as it swings by our planet.

NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft has conducted seven hours of ultraviolet observations of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as both the spacecraft and the comet approach Jupiter. This observation is part of ongoing efforts to study the comet's characteristics and behavior in the solar system.

Astronomers have detected a unique cosmic collision approximately 25 light-years from Earth, initially mistaken for a new exoplanet. This event marks a significant observation in the field of astronomy, highlighting the dynamic interactions occurring in space.

A recent analysis indicates that satellites could start colliding with each other or space debris within three days following a severe solar storm that impairs their maneuverability. This alarming prediction highlights the vulnerability of satellite systems to solar activity, which can disrupt their operational capabilities.

Scientists have detected an X-ray glow from the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which extends approximately 250,000 miles into space. This observation was made using two space telescopes, revealing how the comet's gases interact with solar particles as it traverses the inner solar system.

The Orion Nebula will be prominently visible in the night sky on December 18, providing an excellent opportunity for stargazers to observe this celestial feature. The nebula, located in the Milky Way, is a region of star formation and is one of the brightest nebulae visible to the naked eye. Observers can expect to see not only the nebula but also various planets and stars, enhancing the viewing experience.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has announced the precise timing of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS's closest approach to Earth, which is set to occur tonight. This event marks a significant moment for astronomers as they prepare to observe the comet's features and trajectory during its flyby.

Two neutron stars have been identified as the likely progenitors of the first known ‘superkilonova,’ an extraordinary cosmic explosion that occurred 1.3 billion light-years from Earth. This event marks a significant milestone in astrophysics, providing insights into the life cycles of neutron stars and their explosive interactions.