Live Comet Tracker: 3I/ATLAS

3I Atlas Live Tracking: Real-Time Current Position and Trajectory of Comet 3I/ATLAS

Experience the most accurate 3I Atlas live tracking tool available. Discovered on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS survey, 3I/ATLAS (C/2025 N1) is the third confirmed interstellar comet visiting our solar system. Track its current position live with our interactive real-time simulator, powered by the latest NASA/JPL ephemeris data and Minor Planet Center (MPC) orbital elements.

Our 3I/ATLAS tracker visualizes the comet's hyperbolic trajectory, showing its current location, speed, and distance from Earth in real time. Unlike typical comets, 3I/ATLAS originates from another star system, offering a rare glimpse into interstellar space. Rest assured, its path poses no threat—closest approach to Earth is a safe 1.8 AU (~167 million miles) on December 19, 2025.

Use the controls to explore the 3I Atlas trajectory simulation: adjust speed, focus on planets, or jump to key events like perihelion (October 29, 2025) or closest approaches. Data is refreshed from official sources for precision. For 3D views, check our 3D Tracker.

Disclaimer: This educational 3I Atlas tracker simplifies n-body effects for visualization. For official data, consult NASA or IAU.

Details

Controls

Manipulate the flow of time in the simulation.

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Key Facts About 3I/ATLAS

  • Discovery: Detected by ATLAS telescopes in Hawaii. Initial observations showed an unbound orbit, leading to its interstellar classification.
  • Orbital Characteristics: Hyperbolic eccentricity of approximately 6.14, inclination of 175° (retrograde motion), and a perihelion distance of about 1.36 AU from the Sun.
  • Size and Composition: Estimated diameter of 1-10 km, likely composed of ices and dust similar to other comets, but its interstellar origin may reveal unique isotopic signatures.
  • Comparisons: Like 1I/'Oumuamua (cigar-shaped, no coma) and 2I/Borisov (cometary activity), 3I/ATLAS shows faint cometary tails in observations, suggesting outgassing as it approaches the Sun.
  • Scientific Importance: Studying interstellar objects provides insights into exoplanetary systems, galactic chemistry, and potential panspermia (life-seeding) theories. Missions like ESA's Comet Interceptor could target future visitors.