3I/ATLAS’ closest approach: December 9
One of the most intriguing events of the month is the perihelion — or closest approach to Earth — of Comet 3I/ATLAS on December 19.
This isn’t just any comet; it’s the third confirmed interstellar object ever detected in our solar system, following the enigmatic ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and Comet 2I/Borisov in 2019.
Discovered by NASA’s ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey, 3I/ATLAS hails from another star system, hurtling through our cosmic neighborhood on a one-way journey.
NASA scientists are seizing this moment to study the comet intensively, deploying a fleet of spacecraft and ground-based telescopes to unravel its composition, trajectory, and origins.
“This could be your best bet to see this interstellar interloper,” notes Gohd in the video narration, emphasizing the comet’s fleeting visibility.
Fortunately, there’s no cause for alarm: At its nearest, 3I/ATLAS will be a safe 170 million miles (274 million kilometers) from Earth—over 700 times the Earth-Moon distance.
That’s far enough to avoid any gravitational tugs or collision risks, but close enough for dedicated observers to catch a glimpse.
Cosmic pairing: Moon and Jupiter conjunction on December 7
Skywatching tips for December
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December’s chill can crisp the air, but it also sharpens the stars.
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Bundle up, use red flashlights to preserve night vision, and consider apps like Stellarium or NASA’s SkySafari for real-time charts.
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Remember, light pollution is the biggest foe — head to dark sky parks, if possible.