Photographing 3I/ATLAS: A Guide to Observing This Interstellar Comet

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, stargazers and amateur astronomers will have a unique opportunity to observe and photograph 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar comet that has recently entered our solar system. This rare celestial event coincides with the New Moon, which occurs at 3:11 P.M. EDT, creating ideal conditions for observing faint objects in the night sky. According to Alison Klesman, a senior writer for Astronomy Magazine, the darkness of the New Moon will enhance visibility, allowing enthusiasts to capture images of this ancient traveler from another star system.

3I/ATLAS, currently around 17th magnitude, is moving through the constellation Ophiuchus and will be positioned near the star Sabik (Eta Ophiuchi) during the evening hours. Observers will need a telescope with at least a 6-inch aperture to successfully locate and photograph the comet. It is expected to rise around 5 P.M. local daylight time and will be highest in the sky at approximately 10 P.M., when it reaches an altitude of about 30 degrees in the southern sky. The comet will appear to drift southwest of Sabik over the coming nights, making it a manageable target for observation.

This interstellar comet, believed to be one of the oldest ever observed, presents a remarkable opportunity for both seasoned astronomers and newcomers to astrophotography. According to Dr. Mark Smith, an astrophysicist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, "The visibility of 3I/ATLAS is significant not only because of its interstellar origins but also due to the insights it provides into the composition of comets and the early solar system."

To capture a successful image of 3I/ATLAS, observers are advised to take multiple exposures, as the comet will appear as a faint point of light moving against the backdrop of numerous stars. The surrounding region near the Milky Way plane is rich with background stars, which can complicate the task of identifying the comet. Observers should center their telescopes on Sabik and look approximately 2.3 degrees south to find 3I.

For those interested in upcoming celestial events, the period following the New Moon is particularly conducive for deep-sky observations, as the absence of moonlight allows fainter objects to be seen more clearly. According to the American Astronomical Society, events such as the visibility of 3I/ATLAS can foster greater interest in astronomy and encourage more people to engage in stargazing and astrophotography.

As we continue to expand our understanding of the universe, the study of interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS is crucial. The implications of such discoveries extend beyond mere observation; they provide valuable data that can inform theories about the formation and evolution of celestial bodies. The ongoing research into such comets is supported by various institutions, including NASA and the European Space Agency, which are actively monitoring 3I/ATLAS's trajectory and composition.

In conclusion, the visibility of 3I/ATLAS presents an exceptional opportunity for both amateur and professional astronomers to engage with the cosmos. As the comet continues its journey through our solar system, its observations may yield significant data that could enhance our understanding of interstellar objects and their origins. Stargazers are encouraged to prepare their equipment and to take advantage of this rare celestial phenomenon, which is expected to remain observable for several nights as it moves through the sky.

For more information on upcoming astronomical events and tips on astrophotography, enthusiasts can visit the Astronomy Magazine website and consult local astronomy clubs and resources. The excitement surrounding 3I/ATLAS is just one of many reasons to look up at the night sky and appreciate the wonders it holds.