NASA's Stunning New Images of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Drop Today—Watch the Historic Reveal Live

Space fans have a date with history today as NASA unveils the first close-up imagery of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS—a frozen wanderer that began its journey through the galaxy billions of years before our own solar system was born. Why 3I/ATLAS Matters Discovered on 1 July by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey in Chile, 3I/ATLAS is only the third known visitor from another star system. Scientists believe its ancient ices could reveal how planetary systems form and evolve. The comet whipped within 19 million mi (30 million km) of Mars in October and will never come closer than 170 million mi (275 million km) to Earth, making this imagery a rare opportunity for researchers and sky-watchers alike. How to Watch the Image Reveal • Live stream: NASA+ and the agency’s YouTube channel start coverage at 3 p.m. EST (20:00 UTC). • Location: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland. • Speakers: NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya, Science Mission Directorate lead Nicky Fox, and comet experts Tom Statler and Shawn Domagal-Goldman will answer #AskNASA questions in real time. What Scientists Expect to See Early spectroscopic data hint at abundant carbon dioxide, water ice, cyanide and traces of metallic nickel—chemistry familiar from home-grown comets yet forged under alien suns. Comparing 3I/ATLAS with 2I/Borisov and 1I/‘Oumuamua could refine models of interstellar object formation and the prevalence of comet-rich systems across the Milky Way. Why the Public Should Tune In 1. Unique visuals: Hubble, James Webb, MAVEN and even Mars rovers have targeted the comet, promising multi-wavelength views. 2. Citizen science: NASA will release raw files for amateur astronomers to process and study. 3. Planetary defense insights: Tracking a fast-moving interstellar object tests the same tool chain used to spot hazardous asteroids. Key Search Terms for More Coverage NASA live stream comet 3I/ATLAS, interstellar comet images, how to watch NASA comet event, 3I/ATLAS trajectory, NASA Goddard briefing, comet older than solar system. Stay tuned after the broadcast for downloadable high-resolution images, expert Q&A highlights and guidance on photographing 3I/ATLAS as it fades into the outer solar system.