TESS Special Observation of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS in January 2026
16 January 2026
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) will conduct a special observation of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS in January 2026, temporarily interrupting Sector 99 to capture this rare opportunity to observe this object from another solar system. TESS's high-precision, continuous photometry could provide unique insights into the comet's activity following its closest approach to the Sun.
Updated Sector 99 Schedule:
- 5-15 January 2026: Sector 99 (Part 1)
- 15-22 January 2026: Special comet observation pointing along the ecliptic
- 22 January – 2 February 2026: Sector 99 (Part 2)
Both Sector 99 and comet observation data will be calibrated and publicly archived following standard mission practices (i.e., no proprietary period). For sector pointing information, visit the HEASARC and MIT websites, or use the updated tesswcs or tess-point Python tools.
Register your interest using this Google Form to receive more in-depth updates and information about the TESS Comet 3I/ATLAS observation, or check our websites at the links above. If you have any questions, please contact the TESS Science Support Center helpdesk at tesshelp@bigbang.gsfc.nasa.gov.
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