NASA to stream comet 3i/atlas multi-mission images live: When and where to watch

Hubble captured this image of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on July 21, 2025, when the comet was 277 million miles from Earth. (Image: NASA/ESA)

NASA is set to host a live event showcasing images of Comet 3I/ATLAS, a rare visitor from beyond our solar system.

The interstellar comet was found by the NASA-funded ATLAS observatory on 01 July, making it only the third known object arriving from outside our galaxy’s neighbourhood. The comet passed within 19 million miles of Mars during early October and will stay about 170 million miles from Earth during its journey. NASA plans to reveal new imagery at 15:00 EST on 19 November from the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

The agency confirmed the broadcast will stream on NASA+, the NASA app, the official website, YouTube, and Amazon Prime. Why is this event important for viewers worldwide? It offers rare access to interstellar material observed by several NASA missions working together. The agency said this combined effort allows near-continuous tracking of 3I/ATLAS as it moves through our celestial neighbourhood. Could this dataset help scientists understand how such visitors behave in space? NASA believes that complementary instruments across several spacecraft can offer clearer answers.

NASA listed Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya among key speakers. The panel also includes Nicky Fox from the Science Mission Directorate. Shawn Domagal Goldman will represent the Astrophysics Division during the session. Lead scientist Tom Statler will join to discuss solar system small bodies. Why are these speakers relevant to the event? Their combined expertise offers scientific context for the rare interstellar visitor and its observed activity.

Members of the media must send names and contact details to Molly Wasser at the listed NASA email at least two hours before the broadcast. Why does NASA request advance information? The process helps the agency manage virtual attendance for real-time engagement. The public may also submit questions using the #AskNASA tag on social platforms during the live programme. Could selected questions be answered instantly? NASA said real-time responses may occur during the session.

How can the agency observe the comet so consistently? Assets across NASA’s science missions give the United States a rare viewing advantage with wide coverage. The system uses spacecraft at several locations and ground observatories for continuous monitoring. What scientific value does this offer researchers worldwide? It helps them study shifting comet behaviour from different angles and track how interstellar objects react near our Sun.