This Wednesday (19/11) Projeto Telescópio Virtual will broadcast live from the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, the third object of this type confirmed on Sistema Solar. The display begins at 4:15 am UTC (1:15 am Brasília time) and will be taken from robotic telescopes located on Manciano, on Itália. The initiative allows the public to follow in real time the images of visitors who came from another Via Láctea region.
Discovered on July 1, 2025 by the Atlas system, 3I/Atlas presented a hyperbolic trajectory, characteristic of objects that do not belong to Sistema Solar. Inicialmente classified as a possible asteroid, the object revealed typical cometary activity, with the formation of a coma and tail of dust and gas.
Interstellar Visitor Features
3I/Atlas maintains behavior similar to that of common Sistema Solar comets. Observações shows constant release of material as it approaches Sol.
The trajectory indicates origin outside our planetary system. The object traveled for billions of years in interstellar space before crossing Earth’s orbit.
Chronology of main observations
The comet reached perihelion on October 29, when it came within 1.4 astronomical units of Sol. Nesse period was temporarily hidden by sunlight.
- Initial detection: July 1, 2025
- Interstellar confirmation: July 2025
- First recorded radio broadcast: October 24
- Perihelion: October 29, 2025
Observation attempts in September were unsuccessful because of the unfavorable position.
Live Stream Details
The session starts at 1:15 am (Brasília time) and will be shown directly on the Projeto Telescópio Virtual website. The equipment used operates remotely and captures high-resolution images.
Observers with private telescopes will also be able to locate the object in the coming days in dark sky regions. The current magnitude makes it easier to see with medium-sized instruments.
Data collected during the pass helps understand the chemical composition of materials formed in other stellar systems.
Professional observation continues
Telescopes in several countries maintain continuous monitoring of 3I/Atlas. The information obtained contributes to the catalog of interstellar objects.
The comet now heads into deep space after closest approach. The high speed prevents it from being captured by solar gravity.
Stream access
The public accesses the images free of charge through the project’s official internet channel. There is no need to register in advance to attend the session.
The initiative democratizes access to rare astronomical events. Observadores of all Brasil can follow the phenomenon at a compatible time.
Importance of third home interest
3I/Atlas is only the third confirmed interstellar object after 1I/’Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019). Cada passage provides unique data on the formation of distant planetary systems.
The chemical composition reveals elements present in external regions of the galaxy. Studies continue even after the comet moves away from Sol.