‘Nearly Interstellar’ Comet C/2025 V1 (Borisov) Draws Comparisons to 3I/ATLAS as It Approaches Earth

Summary: A newly discovered comet, C/2025 V1 (Borisov), is speeding inward toward the Sun and will make its closest approach to Earth on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Its unusually eccentric, nearly radial orbit and lack of a prominent tail have prompted comparisons to the interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS, though most experts say the two are not directly related.

What was discovered?

Observers reported multiple sightings of the object to the Minor Planet Center between Nov. 2 and Nov. 5. The amateur astronomer Gennadiy Borisov, who previously discovered the interstellar comet 2I/Borisov in 2019, was credited with the first detection; the new object has been provisionally designated C/2025 V1 (Borisov). NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has also catalogued the object.

Why is it drawing attention?

Two main features have made C/2025 V1 intriguing to astronomers and the public:

• Highly eccentric, nearly radial orbit: The comet is plunging steeply toward the Sun on an elongated trajectory, which led Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb to describe it as "nearly interstellar." That phrase refers to the orbit's shape and the possibility that the object is on a trajectory that is not tightly bound to the Sun.
• Little or no visible tail in recent images: Like 3I/ATLAS, C/2025 V1 has shown limited coma and tail activity in early photographs, a feature that fuels comparison and speculation.

Avi Loeb: "Nearly interstellar," used to describe the comet's orbital eccentricity and trajectory (from his Medium post).

Is C/2025 V1 related to 3I/ATLAS?

Despite superficial similarities, current evidence points to a solar-system origin for C/2025 V1. Loeb and other researchers have suggested the new comet likely originated in the Oort Cloud, the distant reservoir of icy bodies surrounding the Sun. By contrast, 3I/ATLAS is reported as an object originating from another star system and has attracted wide public attention — including speculative and tabloid-driven theories that it might be artificial.

Loeb himself has acknowledged that 3I/ATLAS is "most likely a comet of natural origin," though he has not fully ruled out exotic explanations. He has also downplayed any direct connection between 3I/ATLAS and C/2025 V1.

When will it be closest to Earth and the Sun?

Closest approach to Earth: Tuesday, Nov. 11 — about 64 million miles away (roughly 270 lunar distances).

Perihelion (closest to the Sun): Sunday, Nov. 16.

Can I see it?

The comet is too faint for the unaided eye. However, observers with good binoculars or a medium-to-large amateur telescope may be able to glimpse it. As of the most recent reports, C/2025 V1 is located in the constellation Virgo and is best seen low in the eastern sky before sunrise. Check local astronomy resources or TheSkyLive and LiveScience for up-to-date viewing charts and times.

What about 3I/ATLAS?

3I/ATLAS recently passed its perihelion at roughly 130 million miles from the Sun and was briefly out of view from Earth. Amateur astronomers have since re-imaged it from various locations. It is predicted to make its nearest approach to Earth around Dec. 19 at about 170 million miles.

Final takeaways

C/2025 V1 (Borisov) is an intriguing, unusual comet whose orbit and appearance invite comparison with the more widely publicized 3I/ATLAS. But most experts say the new comet probably originated in the Oort Cloud and is not directly connected to 3I/ATLAS. For observers, the best chance to attempt a sighting is before dawn in mid-November using binoculars or a telescope.

Reported sources include the Minor Planet Center, NASA JPL, LiveScience, TheSkyLive, Orbital Today and Space.com. For precise observing details consult local astronomy groups or online ephemeris services.