Mysterious Interstellar Object A11pl3Z Captured in Stunning Livestream
In an exciting astronomical event, a new interstellar object, originally designated A11pl3Z and now officially named 3I/ATLAS, has been detected moving through our solar system at incredible speeds. The comet, traveling at approximately 152,000 mph (245,000 km/h), is set on a unique flat and straight course, setting it apart from other celestial bodies that orbit the sun.
Discovery and Observations
The discovery was made on July 1, when researchers working with the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) identified the object in data collected from telescopes stationed in Hawaii, Chile, and South Africa. ATLAS uses automated technology to scan the night sky for potential threats, and its rapid detection capabilities have once again demonstrated their importance in astronomical research.
The comet is believed to originate from outside our solar system, making it an interstellar object. NASA confirmed this classification on July 2, suggesting that it likely formed in a distant star system before entering our cosmic neighborhood.
Livestream Event and Viewing Details
For astronomy enthusiasts and the general public, the Virtual Telescope Project is offering a unique opportunity to witness this remarkable object live. A livestream event is scheduled for July 3 at 6:00 p.m. ET, broadcasted from the project’s powerful telescope in Manciano, Italy. This livestream allows viewers to visually engage with the interstellar visitor, even though it remains too faint to be seen with the naked eye or basic telescopes. The Virtual Telescope Project has already captured images of 3I/ATLAS, showcasing its journey through space.
- Livestream Date: July 3, 2025
- Start Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
- Location of Telescope: Manciano, Italy
- View Link: VTP’s YouTube Channel
Significance of 3I/ATLAS
3I/ATLAS is particularly significant as it joins the ranks of only two other confirmed interstellar visitors: Comet 2I/Borisov, which passed through in 2019, and ‘Oumuamua, detected in 2017. The rarity of these occurrences raises intriguing questions about the number of interstellar objects that may traverse our solar system unnoticed. Researchers estimate that there could be as many as one million interstellar objects lurking in the outskirts of our solar system, each potentially larger than the Statue of Liberty.
Currently, 3I/ATLAS, with an approximate diameter of 12 miles (20 kilometers), is located about 4.5 times farther from the sun than Earth. Its closest approach to the sun will occur on October 30, coming within 1.4 astronomical units (AU) of our star. Notably, during this period, it will also make a close pass to Mars, at a distance of just 0.4 AU.
Earth’s Safety and Future Studies
NASA has assured that there is no danger posed to Earth from 3I/ATLAS, as it will remain at least 1.6 AU away from our planet at its closest approach in December. This timing aligns with its journey back out of our solar system, allowing scientists to continue monitoring and studying the comet’s behavior.
As excitement builds around the upcoming livestream event, astronomers are working diligently to gather as much data as possible before the object disappears behind the sun’s glare in September. Future observations may involve the use of advanced telescopes, including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, known for its powerful imaging capabilities. Additionally, proposals are underway to deploy the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA’s Mars rovers for further study of the comet as it nears the sun.