3I/ATLAS: Rare interstellar comet nears closest approach to Earth-catch it tonight

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is reportedly scheduled to make its closest approach to Earth in the early hours on Friday, December 19.

Astronomers have calculated the exact moment when the comet will reach its minimum distance to Earth.

According to the orbital calculations from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Horizons system, comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth tomorrow.

It has been observed that the comet will be about 1.8 astronomical units away-approximately 168 million miles (270 million kilometres)-or roughly twice the average distance between Earth and the Sun.

The comet 3I/ATLAS will be far too distant and faint to be seen with the naked eye as it passes Earth; however its flyby is significant because interstellar objects are so rare.

Studying this comet provides an exciting opportunity to scrutinize material formed around another star, offering a momentary view into planetary systems beyond our solar system.

Stargazers should watch the flyby on December-18-19 via Space.com and the Virtual Telescope Project.

The livestream will begin at 11 p.m. today on Dec 18, offering spectators a chance to see the interstellar visitor as it makes its closest approach to Earth.