Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS to Exit Solar System: Watch Live

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is in the spotlight as it embarks on its journey out of our solar system. On November 16, 2025, skywatchers around the globe can witness this historic event through a livestream hosted by the Virtual Telescope Project. The broadcast will commence at 11:15 p.m. Eastern Time (04:15 GMT on November 17) and will feature real-time imagery captured by robotic telescopes based in Manciano, Italy.

This livestream presents a unique opportunity to observe an interstellar object, as 3I/ATLAS departs our cosmic neighbourhood. Discovered on July 1, 2025, the comet stands out as only the third interstellar object confirmed within our solar system, following 1I/‘Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Its trajectory is markedly different from that of comets originating in the Oort Cloud or Kuiper Belt, underscoring its classification as a visitor from beyond.

Key Observations and Characteristics

On October 30, 2025, 3I/ATLAS reached perihelion, its closest proximity to the Sun. After emerging from the Sun’s glare, it has become visible to ground-based telescopes once again. On November 11, Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project, captured captivating images of the comet. These photographs showcased the comet’s luminous central coma and an elongated ion tail, shaped by solar winds as it speeds away from the Sun.

Currently, 3I/ATLAS can be observed rising above the eastern horizon in the early morning hours, traversing through the constellation Virgo. With a brightness magnitude of +10.9, it is not visible to the naked eye. However, amateur astronomers with small telescopes should be able to identify its faint glow amidst the sharper lights of nearby stars.

For those lacking access to telescopes, the upcoming livestream offers the best chance to witness this remarkable interstellar traveller. The broadcast will feature live views and expert commentary, allowing viewers worldwide to follow the comet’s progress as it makes its way back into interstellar space.

The Significance of 3I/ATLAS

The journey of 3I/ATLAS highlights the rarity of interstellar objects. Prior to this discovery, only two similar entities had been identified, each contributing valuable insights into the materials that exist outside our solar system. The departure of this comet serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of such encounters.

For both scientists and enthusiasts, the livestream represents an opportunity to observe a significant moment in astronomical history. As 3I/ATLAS exits our solar system, it continues to intrigue and inspire, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of the universe beyond our own.