The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will reportedly make its closest approach to Earth in the early hours of Friday, December 19.
Astronomers have calculated the exact moment when the comet will reach its minimum distance from Earth.
Comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth tomorrow, according to orbital calculations from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Horizons system.
It has been observed that the comet will be about 1.8 astronomical units away – about 168 million miles (270 million kilometers) – or about twice the average distance between Earth and the Sun.
Comet 3I/ATLAS will be much too distant and faint to be seen with the naked eye as it passes Earth; however, its flight is important because interstellar objects are so rare.
Studying this comet provides an exciting opportunity to closely examine material formed around another star, providing an ephemeral view of planetary systems beyond our solar system.
Stargazers should watch the flight on December 18 and 19 via Space.com and the virtual telescope project.
The livestream begins today, December 18 at 11 p.m., offering spectators the chance to see the interstellar visitor as it makes its closest approach to Earth.
