NASA to Broadcast first Images of Comet 3I/ATLAS Captured by Spacecraft and Telescopes
WASHINGTON – NASA will host a live event to share newly captured images of comet 3I/ATLAS, offering an unprecedented look at the interstellar visitor as it journeys through our solar system. The broadcast begins at 2 p.m. EST on Friday, January 12.
This marks a unique prospect for scientists to study an interstellar comet – one originating outside our solar system – for an extended period. NASA’s diverse network of spacecraft and ground-based observatories are positioned to observe 3I/ATLAS throughout its time in our celestial neighborhood, providing complementary data and insights into its composition and behavior. The comet’s current proximity allows for detailed study using a range of instruments, offering a rare chance to understand objects from beyond our solar system.
The event will feature commentary from dr. Nicky Agal-Goldman, acting director of the Division of Astrophysics, and Tom Statler, chief scientist for small bodies in the solar system. Members of the media can participate virtually by submitting their facts to Molly Wasser at molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov no later than two hours before the event.The public can submit questions via social media using #AskNASA, with potential for real-time answers in English. NASA will also have a subject matter expert available for follow-up interviews in Spanish; requests should be directed to María José Viñas at maria-jose.vinasgarcia@nasa.gov.
Further information about comet 3I/ATLAS is available at https://ciencia.nasa.gov/sistema-solar/cometa-3i-atlas/ (Spanish) and https://go.nasa.gov/3I-ATLAS (English).
