Comet 3I/ATLAS Today (Dec. 16, 2025): Interstellar Visitor Nears Closest Approach to Earth on Dec. 19
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth on Friday, Dec. 19, passing about 1.8 AU, or 270 million kilometers, from the planet. NASA and other agencies confirm the object poses no threat. The comet was discovered July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS survey in Chile. Scientists are collecting data during this brief window before it fades from view.