What’s happening on November 16
On November 16, astronomy fans have a rare chance to watch a true interstellar visitor through detailed telescope views. Comet 3I/ATLAS, identified as an object from outside our solar system, is speeding away from the Sun on an escape trajectory. The Virtual Telescope Project will host a livestream that lets viewers follow the comet’s rapid departure in real time, with imagery that highlights its elongated tail and shifting position against the backdrop of distant stars.
Understanding an interstellar traveler
3I/ATLAS is one of the few confirmed interstellar objects detected in our cosmic neighborhood. Unlike comets that orbit the Sun, this object originates from another star system and is now traversing the outskirts of our solar neighborhood. Watching it with professional telescopes gives scientists and enthusiasts a unique window into the makeup, motion, and speed of objects that formed around different suns and planets.
What the livestream offers
The Virtual Telescope Project has curated a high-resolution livestream that focuses on real-time tracking of 3I/ATLAS as it moves away from the Sun. Viewers can expect detailed telescope imagery that captures the comet’s nucleus, coma, and tail structure, even as it fades into the distances. The session translates complex astrometry into accessible visuals, making it ideal for students, educators, and curious sky-watchers alike.
Key observations to look for
- Rapid motion across the sky, as the comet leaves the inner solar system.
- Changes in brightness and tail length tied to sunlight and solar wind.
- Background star field shifts that help demonstrate the object’s trajectory.
How to participate
To join the event, visit the Virtual Telescope Project’s livestream page on November 16. There’s no need for specialized equipment beyond a computer or a mobile device, making this an accessible way to witness a rare interstellar visitor from your own home. For best results, position yourself in a location with a clear view of the sky and be prepared for a potentially brief, late-night viewing window depending on your time zone.
Why this matters
Observations of 3I/ATLAS contribute to our understanding of how material is ejected from distant star systems and how interstellar visitors navigate the galactic environment. Each frame captured during the livestream adds to the growing dataset that researchers use to model the physics of comets formed around other stars. Even as the object speeds away, the viewing opportunity bridges professional science with public engagement, inviting wider participation in space exploration.
Expert tips for viewers
• Check the event’s start time in your local time zone and tune in a few minutes early.
• Keep an eye on the comet’s movement relative to background stars to appreciate its trajectory.
• Read accompanying explanations provided during the stream to understand the science behind the visuals.
In short, the November 16 livestream from the Virtual Telescope Project offers a rare look at an interstellar visitor moving through the outer solar system. It’s a chance to observe real-time astrophysical phenomena and join a global audience in celebrating a moment when human curiosity meets the vastness of interstellar space.
