Rare Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Live Stream Tonight: How to Watch

Astronomy enthusiasts worldwide can witness a rare event as the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will be live-streamed tonight. This comet, comparable in size to Manhattan, is only the third known interstellar object to enter our solar system. Discovered four months ago, it has sparked significant interest among scientists and amateur astronomers alike. The live event will be hosted by The Virtual Telescope Project at 11:15 PM ET on its official YouTube channel.

The comet’s recent perihelion brought it close to major planets, including Jupiter, Venus, and Mars, increasing curiosity about its origins and characteristics. Speculation surrounding the comet has included discussions about its potential as an extraterrestrial spacecraft, a theory raised by notable figures such as Elon Musk during a conversation with Joe Rogan. Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist known for his unconventional theories regarding interstellar objects, emphasized the importance of transparent data sharing. He stated, “The truth about 3I/ATLAS will only emerge through transparent data-sharing, not speculation,” as reported by The New York Post.

Nasa’s Upcoming Release of High-Resolution Images

In exciting developments, NASA is expected to unveil high-resolution images of 3I/ATLAS next week. These images, captured by the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter between October 1 and 7, 2025, promise to offer the clearest view of the comet to date. The imaging release was previously delayed due to a government shutdown that concluded last week. These visuals could shed light on ongoing debates regarding the comet’s structure and origins.

For those keen to observe the comet live, it will be positioned above the eastern horizon, traversing the Virgo constellation. With a faint brightness of approximately magnitude +10.9, it is not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, high-powered telescopes will be essential for viewing the event. A series of telescopes located in Manciano, Italy, have been aligned specifically for this global broadcast, allowing viewers to connect with this interstellar visitor in real-time.

As the comet continues its journey away from the Sun, tonight’s live-streaming opportunity offers a unique chance for sky-watchers to engage with a celestial phenomenon that has captured the attention of the scientific community and the public alike.