3i atlas: 3I/ATLAS interstellar comet or alien spacecraft? See it yourself today as it makes closest approach to planet

Is 3I/ATLAS an interstellar comet or an alien spacecraft? This question gained attention after NASA released new images of comet 3I/ATLAS on December 18. The images were captured by the Europa Clipper spacecraft during a rare interstellar flyby near Earth. The spacecraft was not assigned to observe the comet. The observation occurred because both objects were passing through space at high speeds. Scientists say the event offers a rare chance to study materials beyond the solar system. The comet can be seen today through telescopes and online live broadcasts. NASA also explained why the object was a natural comet and not evidence of alien technology.

Unexpected NASA observation during flight

Is 3I/ATLAS an interstellar comet or an alien spacecraft? The images came from the spacecraft Europa Clipper, which was launched to study Jupiter’s moon Europa. NASA said the spacecraft did not intentionally track the comet. Both objects were in the correct position as they moved through the solar system.
Europa Clipper used the Europa Ultraviolet Spectrograph to record the comet. The observation lasted seven hours on 6 November. At the time, the spacecraft was approximately 102 million miles away from the comet. Scientists said this coincidence allowed them to test instruments designed for another task.

Closest approach to Earth announced

Is 3I/ATLAS an interstellar comet or an alien spacecraft? The comet is moving at approximately 153,000 miles per hour. It reaches its closest point to Earth on the night of December 18-19. The comet is approximately 168 million miles away at its closest point. This corresponds to approximately 270 million kilometers.

NASA confirmed that the distance means there is no risk to Earth. The comet passes through the inner solar system before heading towards Jupiter.

Can people see the comet today?

Is 3I/ATLAS an interstellar comet or an alien spacecraft? Amateur astronomers can attempt to observe the comet using powerful backyard telescopes. NASA said the object will appear as a faint, fast-moving green dot. It is not visible to the naked eye.
Observers under dark skies may need telescopes with an aperture of at least eight inches. Astrophotographers reported limited visible detail in the final images.

Live streaming viewing for sky watchers

Is 3I/ATLAS an interstellar comet or an alien spacecraft? People can also watch the comet online. The Virtual Telescope Project is hosting a free livestream on December 18th starting at 11pm EST. This falls on 19 December at 04:00 GMT.

The livestream will show real-time telescope images from robotic observatories in Manciano, Italy, weather conditions permitting. Closest approach will occur on December 19 at 1 a.m. EST.

Ultraviolet images reveal hidden details

Is 3I/ATLAS an interstellar comet or an alien spacecraft? The Europa Clipper image uses ultraviolet light. The human eye cannot see ultraviolet wavelengths. Scientists processed the data by separating and stacking wavelengths. This method reveals what the comet looks like beyond visible light.

Other observatories have studied 3I/ATLAS using infrared and X-ray wavelengths. These studies help scientists understand the comet’s structure and composition.

What do scientists know about the comet?

Is 3I/ATLAS an interstellar comet or an alien spacecraft? NASA said there was no evidence the object was artificial. It is classified as a natural interstellar comet. Scientists analyzed the gases emitted from the comet, known as coma.

Previous observations showed that the comet contained carbon dioxide ice. It also releases diatomic carbon gas. This gas causes the green glow seen in the images. The spacecraft is not looking for life on the comet.

Link to European mission

Is 3I/ATLAS an interstellar comet or an alien spacecraft? Both the comet and the Europa Clipper are heading towards Jupiter. The comet will pass closest to Jupiter in March 2026. Europa Clipper will arrive in late April 2030.

Once at Jupiter, Clipper will examine Europa. Scientists believe a liquid water ocean may exist beneath Europa’s icy surface. The mission will examine the surface, atmosphere and possible geysers.

Why is 3I/ATLAS important?

Is 3I/ATLAS an interstellar comet or an alien spacecraft? Discovered by the ATLAS probe in July 2025, the comet is the third confirmed interstellar object detected. The first of these was 1I/’Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019.

Studying 3I/ATLAS could help explain how planetary systems form around other stars, researchers say.

What’s next?

Is 3I/ATLAS an interstellar comet or an alien spacecraft? Detailed ultraviolet data from Europa Clipper is still under analysis, NASA said. Results will be published once processing is complete. Scientists say the images currently provide a rare look at material from outside the solar system.

FAQ

Q1: Is 3I/ATLAS an alien spacecraft?
No. NASA says 3I/ATLAS is a natural interstellar comet. The data show normal comet gas and ice. There is no evidence of artificial construction or alien technology.

Q2: How can I watch 3I/ATLAS today?
You can view 3I/ATLAS using a large telescope under dark skies or watch the Virtual Telescope Project livestream, which shows real-time images during the comet’s closest approach to Earth.