A visitor from outer space is about to say goodbye to our solar system: the controversial comet 3I/ATLAS. This object sparked a great scientific debate due to its unusual trajectory and inexplicable acceleration which made it a unique phenomenon in the cosmos.
Coming from outside our solar system, comet 3I/ATLAS It is only the third interstellar object known to humanity and offers us an unmissable window into what can exist in other worlds.
This is our last chance to observe this enigmatic cosmic traveler before he is lost forever in the void of space. If you want Observe this interstellar anomaly before it is gonehere we tell you exactly when it will be most visible and what you need to see it from home.
When will comet 3I/ATLAS be seen?
El 3I/ATLAS It’s an interstellar cometthat is, it comes from outside our solar system (that’s why the «3I» in his name, “interstellar third” for being only the third to register). Its trajectory is hyperbolic, meaning it does not orbit our sun, but rather He is passing through and will never return.
Its core of ice, dust and gas has been the subject of intense study, not only because of its origin in another star, but because of a inexplicable acceleration which has fueled theories that it could be a natural phenomenon or, speculatively, something else, like a ship from another planet.
Las better observation conditionsespecially for the northern hemisphere (where Spain is located), it will be presented between the end of November and the beginning of December 2025. Specifically, between the November 28th and 30th It will be in its most favorable geometric position with its maximum brightness.
The closest approach to the earth will now occur December 19ththis being the culmination of this astronomical event. However, it will be harder to see as it will lose brightness as it moves further away from the sun. On all these days the comet can be seen during the morning twilight (just before dawn) following the recommendations we leave below.
How to see comet 3I/ATLAS from home
To be honest, comet 3I/ATLAS will not be visible to the naked eye. Its brightness (or magnitude) is estimated to be around 11 or 12 during the most visible days. This is still too faint for the human eye. An object needs a magnitude of 6 or less to be perceptible without optical aid.
If you want to see this interstellar visitor before he leaves, you will need to follow these steps:
- Take some powerful binoculars (10×50 or more) or a amateur telescope (with an opening of 70mm to 150mm). Below we leave you with a couple of tips that you can buy on Amazon and to which you can attach your phone if you want. take a photo of comet 3I/ATLAS with your cell phone.
- Use your optical instrument (binoculars or telescope) e look in the direction of Constellations of Virgo (late November) or Lion (in December). Below we leave you an astronomy app for mobile phones with which you can know which direction to point in the sky.
- Finally, look for a small, fuzzy, grayish cloud in that direction, since that is how comet 3I/ATLAS will be seen.
