3I/ATLAS has drawn global attention due to its strange path through the solar system.
NASA is set to release high-resolution images of the comet in the coming days.
The live stream begins tonight at 11:15 PM ET on The Virtual Telescope Project’s YouTube channel.
If you are a sky enthusiast or a part-time stargazer, you might already know about the third interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. It has been in the headlines for weeks due to its unnatural behaviour. The good news is, you can get to see the interstellar comet live on YouTube as it moves farther from the Sun. The Virtual Telescope Project will broadcast a live telescopic view for audiences worldwide, according to reports from The New York Post.
Survey3I/ATLAS: Why it’s viral on the internet
3I/ATLAS has sparked ongoing debate in the astronomical community due to its unusual trajectory, which recently took it past Jupiter, Venus, and Mars. The comet’s behaviour has sparked a flurry of online speculation, with some social media users proposing bizarre theories about its origin. Public figures, such as Elon Musk, during a conversation with Joe Rogan, fuelled some of these discussions.
Meanwhile, astrophysicist Avi Loeb told The New York Post that withholding scientific data “for bureaucratic reasons” only increases confusion. He emphasised that transparent data sharing is critical for understanding the object’s true nature.
NASA to soon share 3I ATLAS clear image(s)
NASA is preparing to release the most detailed images of 3I/ATLAS to date, captured by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’s HiRISE camera between October 1 and 7. Agency sources cited by the report suggest the images may be made public as early as next week. The release was reportedly pushed back due to the recent US government shutdown.
How to watch the Livestream
The Virtual Telescope Project will broadcast a live observation of 3I/ATLAS tonight at 11:15 PM ET via its official YouTube channel. According to Space.com, the comet is currently passing through the Virgo constellation, rising above the eastern horizon. With an estimated brightness of magnitude +10.9, it is still far too faint for natural viewing, requiring professional equipment.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
