NASA will stream a live image release on Nov 19 at 20:00 UTC (15:00 EST) showcasing new observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS from spacecraft and ground telescopes. The comet went behind the Sun on Oct 21 and reached perihelion on Oct 29, so some peak activity may have been recorded out of Earth's view; Mars orbiters and ESA data could include those observations. Hubble, JWST, ATLAS and Gemini are expected contributors. 3I/ATLAS will pass closest to Earth on Dec 19 at about 270 million km (170 million mi).
NASA to Release Stunning Images of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS — Live Nov 19
NASA will stream a live image release on Nov 19 at 20:00 UTC (15:00 EST) showcasing new observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS from spacecraft and ground telescopes. The comet went behind the Sun on Oct 21 and reached perihelion on Oct 29, so some peak activity may have been recorded out of Earth's view; Mars orbiters and ESA data could include those observations. Hubble, JWST, ATLAS and Gemini are expected contributors. 3I/ATLAS will pass closest to Earth on Dec 19 at about 270 million km (170 million mi).
04:37 PM, 11/18/2025Science
NASA to unveil new 3I/ATLAS imagery
NASA will host a live broadcast on Wednesday, November 19 at 20:00 UTC (15:00 EST) to release a large set of images and observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS collected by NASA-supported spacecraft and ground telescopes.
The agency has not listed every instrument involved, but major space observatories such as Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope are likely contributors. Instruments orbiting Mars and ground facilities including the ATLAS survey telescope and the Gemini observatory may also appear in the dataset.
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS first drew wide attention after its discovery in July 2025. From Earth's perspective it moved behind the Sun on October 21 and reached perihelion (its closest approach to the Sun) on October 29, re-emerging from solar conjunction in early November. Perihelion is a critical interval because heat drives ices to sublimate, producing a bright coma and the vapor and ion tails that define comet activity.
Because 3I/ATLAS was hidden behind the Sun at perihelion, many Earth-based telescopes missed whatever peak activity occurred. The comet passed near Mars around that time, however, so orbiters around the red planet — together with European Space Agency observations — may have recorded important behavior during perihelion.
Assets within NASA's science missions give the United States the unique capability to observe 3I/ATLAS almost the entire time it passes through our celestial neighborhood, and study – with complementary scientific instruments and from different directions – how the comet behaves.
Observatories worldwide will continue to track the object until it fades from view. The best chance for ground-based observation is coming on December 19, when 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth at roughly 270 million kilometers (170 million miles).
View the image release and expert commentary on NASA+, the NASA Live website, YouTube, or the NASA app. The combined dataset from space- and ground-based platforms will help scientists compare perspectives and better understand the structure and activity of this rare interstellar visitor.