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Coverage dated December 14, 2025 to December 18, 2025

Comet 3I/ATLAS flyby: how close did it get and its future trajectory

Headline from Newsweek, on the newest of 2 developments

Comet 3I/ATLAS represents just the third object in history to be known to have entered our solar system from outside.

Newsweek's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Developments in this update

2 dated developments, oldest first, newest marked. Each is named by one outlet's own headline; open its reports to see every outlet that covered it.

  1. New X-ray images show interstellar comet as it makes closest approach to Earth

    Headline from CNN ·

  2. Newest

    Comet 3I/ATLAS flyby: how close did it get and its future trajectory

    Headline from Newsweek ·

1 report not tied to one development ·

Read the reports

Reports & sources

14 articles, oldest first.

  1. CBS News

    Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth this week (opens CBS News)

    Published

    CBS News's feed description

    NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.

  2. The Daily Caller

    3I/ATLAS: Here’s What To Know And How You Can See Rare Interstellar Comet (opens The Daily Caller)

    Published

    The Daily Caller's feed description

    The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will reach its closest point to our world Dec. 19. According to NASA, people will be able to observe it from home.

  3. Scientific American

    How to See Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS as It Swings by Earth One Last Time (opens Scientific American)

    Published

    Scientific American's feed description

    This week marks the last chance for backyard astronomers to see interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS before it races on its journey back to outer space

  4. Science Alert

    Alien Comet 3I/ATLAS Is Just About to Make Its Closest Approach to Earth (opens Science Alert)

    Published

    Science Alert's feed description

    On 19 December 2025, interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will at long last make its closest approach to Earth.

  5. Gizmodo

    Watch Live as Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Makes Its Closest Approach to Earth (opens Gizmodo)

    Published

    Gizmodo's feed description

    This will be your best chance to see 3I/ATLAS in the night sky.

  6. CNN

    New X-ray images show interstellar comet as it makes closest approach to Earth (opens CNN)

    Published

    CNN's feed description

    Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth on Friday. New X-ray images could shed light on its composition.

  7. Newsweek

    Comet 3I/ATLAS flyby: how close did it get and its future trajectory (opens Newsweek)

    Published

    Newsweek's feed description

    Comet 3I/ATLAS represents just the third object in history to be known to have entered our solar system from outside.

  8. Forbes

    3I/ATLAS: NASA Spacecraft Spies Comet As It Passes Closest To Earth (opens Forbes)

    Published

    Forbes's feed description

    NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft has observed interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, collecting rare data as the ancient object made its closest approach to Earth.

  9. Live Science

    Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is rapidly moving away from us. Can we 'intercept' it before it leaves us forever? (opens Live Science)

    Published

    Live Science's feed description

    3I/ATLAS has passed its closest point to Earth, meaning we will soon lose sight of it for good. Some scientists want to send a spacecraft to chase down the alien comet — or the next interstellar object.

  10. Live Science

    Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS makes closest pass of Earth. Where's it heading next? (opens Live Science)

    Published

    Live Science's feed description

    Everyone's favorite interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, flew past Earth overnight, coming within about 168 million miles (270 million kilometers) of our planet.

  11. UPI

    Comet 3I/ATLAS heads past Earth back into deep space (opens UPI)

    Published

    UPI's feed description

    Comet 3I/ATLAS passed its nearest point to Earth early Friday and approaching within 168 million miles.

  12. Live Science

    Comet 3I/ATLAS reaches its closest point to Earth tonight: How to see it in the sky and online (opens Live Science)

    Published

    Live Science's feed description

    Comet 3I/ATLAS, the third interstellar object ever detected, will swing closest to Earth overnight from Thursday to Friday (Dec. 18 to 19). Here’s how to see it.

  13. Forbes

    3I/ATLAS: The Truth About The Interstellar Comet Everyone’s Watching (opens Forbes)

    Published

    Forbes's feed description

    While online conspiracies swirl, comet 3I/ATLAS made a close pass by Earth on Dec. 19, giving astronomers a rare glimpse of a fascinating object as it leaves forever.

  14. Deutsche Welle

    3I/ATLAS: Interstellar comet comes closest to Earth – DW (opens Deutsche Welle)

    Published

    Deutsche Welle's feed description

    Sometimes "the universe comes to us," writes the European Space Agency. On Friday it came really close, when comet 3l/ATLAS passed by us at a ― relatively ― short distance. What exactly is this interstellar visitor?