Tonight, astronomy enthusiasts will have the opportunity to witness the comet 3I/ATLAS as it moves away from the Sun. This interstellar object, which is approximately the size of Manhattan, has captured the attention of scientists and the public alike since its discovery. The Virtual Telescope Project will host a livestream event starting at 11:15 p.m. ET, providing viewers worldwide with a detailed telescopic view of the comet as it travels through the constellation Virgo.
Livestream Details and Viewing Conditions
The livestream will originate from Manciano, Italy, where a series of telescopes will be deployed to capture the comet’s movement. Due to its dim brightness of +10.9, 3I/ATLAS is not visible to the naked eye, making this event a unique opportunity for observers. According to Space.com, the comet will be positioned above the eastern horizon during the livestream.
This viewing event follows recent announcements from NASA regarding the upcoming release of the highest-resolution images of 3I/ATLAS captured by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’s HiRISE camera. These images, taken in early October, have not yet been released due to the recent government shutdown, which concluded last week. An agency source indicated that the images will soon be available to the public.
Scientific Perspectives and Theories
The anticipation surrounding 3I/ATLAS has led to various theories about its nature and origin. Since its discovery four months ago, speculation has arisen about the possibility of it being an extraterrestrial spacecraft. The comet made a notably close approach to several planets, including Jupiter, Venus, and Mars, during its trajectory. Prominent figures, including Elon Musk, have expressed concern over the potential threat posed by an object of this size. Musk stated that a collision with Earth could result in catastrophic consequences, possibly “obliterating a continent.”
“It’s a real problem if it hits,” said podcast host Joe Rogan, acknowledging Musk’s concerns. “Probably kill most of human life.”
In response to the ongoing interest from both the scientific community and the public, astrophysicist Avi Loeb criticized the delay in data sharing, stating, “Science should have been prioritized over bureaucracy. The truth about the nature of 3I/ATLAS will be revealed by the sharing of data, not by the storyline of gatekeepers.”
As the livestream approaches, the excitement surrounding 3I/ATLAS continues to grow. Viewers worldwide will be able to engage with this historic event, highlighting the importance of collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge about our universe.