Interstellar Comet to Pass Earth Tonight: How and Where to Watch the Rare Event

Scientists recently discovered an interstellar comet named 3I/ATLAS that will pass near Earth tonight. It offers a unique chance to observe material originating outside our solar system, providing clues about how planets form around other stars.

Discovered in June 2025 by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Chile, 3I/ATLAS is currently traveling at 130,000 miles per hour. Its estimated size ranges from 1,000 feet to 3.5 miles in diameter, making it a sizable and fast-moving visitor from beyond our solar system.

Closest Approach and Viewing Time

At around 1 a.m. EST (6 a.m. GMT), 3I/ATLAS will be at its closest distance to Earth—approximately 168 million miles away. This distance equals nearly twice the gap between Earth and the sun, so there is no threat of collision.

You can observe the comet before and after this closest approach, but the visibility will gradually diminish over the forthcoming months. The best viewing opportunity is tonight, when the comet is at its nearest point.

How to Spot 3I/ATLAS

Due to its faintness, 3I/ATLAS cannot be seen with the naked eye or weak binoculars. Using a telescope is essential for spotting this visitor, whether in your backyard or at a science center.

Skywatching applications are helpful tools to locate the comet’s exact position in the night sky. Local observatories may also organize viewings for enthusiasts interested in seeing this rare celestial event.

This flyby represents a compelling occasion for astronomers and the general public to witness an interstellar object. It also serves as a valuable research target to understand cosmic phenomena beyond our solar neighborhood.