Night Sky Tonight (December 19, 2025): How to See Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS, Catch New Moon Darkness, and Get Ready for the Ursid Meteor Shower
Friday, December 19, 2025 brings a rare “headline night” for skywatchers: an interstellar comet is making its closest pass by Earth, the Moon is slipping into (or extremely near) a New Moon phase that darkens the sky, and the year’s final major meteor shower is ramping up ahead of its peak just before Christmas. If you only step outside once this week, tonight is a strong candidate—especially if you have access to binoculars or a telescope and a spot away from city lights. The big sky story today: Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS makes its closest approach The most talked-about celestial visitor