Watch 3I/ATLAS Comet Livestream as It Moves Away from the Sun
The comet 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar object to enter our solar system, will be livestreamed as it moves away from the Sun. Starting tonight at 11:15 p.m. ET, viewers can tune in to the Virtual Telescope Project’s YouTube channel for a real-time telescopic view of this Manhattan-sized comet. The event will showcase the comet traversing the constellation Virgo, providing a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and astronomers alike.
The livestream will originate from Manciano, Italy, where a series of telescopes will be set up to capture the comet’s journey. According to Space.com, the comet’s brightness is currently too dim, at approximately +10.9
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This viewing event coincides with news that NASA plans to release the highest resolution images of 3I/ATLAS taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’s HiRISE camera. These photos, reportedly captured in early October 2023, have faced delays due to the recent government shutdown, which ended last week. An agency source confirmed that the release is imminent.
“Science should have been prioritized over bureaucracy,” said Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist. “The truth about the nature of 3I/ATLAS will be revealed by the sharing of data, not by the storyline of gatekeepers.”
Since its discovery four months ago, 3I/ATLAS has sparked numerous theories regarding its nature and origin. In a recent close approach to the Sun, the comet flew near Jupiter, Venus, and Mars, leading some to speculate about the possibility of it being an extraterrestrial spacecraft. Notably, Elon Musk expressed concerns about the potential dangers posed by such a massive object, suggesting it could “obliterate a continent…maybe worse.”
During a discussion with Joe Rogan, Musk highlighted the risks associated with the comet, stating, “It’s a real problem if it hits. Probably kill most of human life.” These comments reflect the heightened interest and concern surrounding this interstellar visitor.
As the livestream approaches, interest in 3I/ATLAS continues to grow, drawing attention from both the scientific community and the general public. This event not only offers a chance to observe a remarkable celestial object but also underscores the ongoing fascination with our universe and the phenomena it holds.
