The comet was discovered on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS telescope in Chile. Today’s flyby marks its final close encounter before it exits the solar system permanently.

      BulletsIn

• Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS reaches closest Earth approach today
•  Flyby occurs on Friday, December 19, 2025
•  Comet passes within about 168 million miles of Earth
•  No threat to Earth; flyby is completely safe
•  Discovered on July 1 by ATLAS telescope in Chile
•  Classified as only the third known interstellar object
•  Bright white coma surrounded by faint blue glow observed
•  Flyby streamed live through free online webcast
•  Scientists study composition and origin during final approach