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Why Is Comet 3I/ATLAS Missing From Starry Night?

Keiron Smith

August 06, 2025 17:42

Answered

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Unfortunately, the highly eccentric orbit of 3I/ATLAS is beyond the simulation capabilities of Starry Night.

If you want to track 3I/ATLAS please use SkySafari 7 Plus or Pro.

skysafariastronomy.com

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4 comments

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  Martin Sassenberg August 29, 2025 12:30

  I second this question. Where is 3I/ATLAS ?

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  Andre D Ficklin October 23, 2025 16:10

  Keiron,

  I remember there was someone asking if orbital elements for C/2025 N1 (3I/Atlas) could be added to Starry Night and I think the response was to use SkySafari Pro. I was able to find orbital data for 3I/Atlas and entered that data into Starry Night. Here is the link to the data from NASA's JPL Small Body Database Lookup:

  https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/tools/sbdb_lookup.html#/?sstr=c%2F2025%20n1

  I sent you a detailed email on Saturday Oct 18th showing C/2025 N1 (3i/Atlas) in Starry Night and in SkySafari 7 Pro.

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  Keiron Smith October 24, 2025 20:07

  Thanks Andre, see my reply in your other post.  Fingers crossed!

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  Keiron Smith November 10, 2026 17:58

  SN9 has finally arrived for Apple Silicon MacOS!  We are now beta-testing.  If you would like to help please see here:

  https://support.simulationcurriculum.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/44878431742103-Beta-Testing-Starry-Night-9-Apple-Silicon-Only-Read-This-To-Participate

  There are many new features coming, - new graphics, AI-assistance, and much more.

  Please only apply for the beta-testing if you have an Apple Silicon Mac.  

  Windows testing is not here yet - but it will be soon.

  Thank you to everyone for your patience, waiting for such a long time for us to breathe new life into Starry Night again.