On January 13, 2025, the comet Atlas C/2024 G3 is set to make its closest approach to both the sun and Earth, offering an extraordinary spectacle for skywatchers.
Following the Quadrantids meteor shower, this remarkable comet is expected to shine as the brightest of the year, with no other naked-eye comets projected.
Discovery and Origin
Discovered on April 5, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (Atlas), a network focused on monitoring potentially hazardous asteroids, Atlas C/2024 G3 originates from the Oort Cloud.
This distant region at the solar system’s fringes is believed to contain remnants from the early formation of the solar system’s planets.
As C/2024 G3 reaches its perihelion, or nearest point to the sun, it will come within approximately 13.5 million kilometers of our star.
For context, Mercury, the sun’s closest planet, orbits at about 47 million kilometers.
Recent evaluations by the Planetary Society suggest that this comet could achieve a brightness level of –4.5 magnitude, comparable to the brilliance of Venus.
People in the southern hemisphere are expected to have the best opportunity to view this celestial marvel with the naked eye.
Viewing Conditions
Despite the excitement, concerns remain regarding the comet’s ability to survive its close encounter with the sun.
Observations indicate that this isn’t its first trip into the inner solar system; it likely orbited the sun before, with its prior visit estimated to have taken place around 160,000 years ago.
Experts are apprehensive, noting that the extreme heat it will face during its solar pass could jeopardize its integrity.
If the comet does manage to survive, it could create a stunning display in the evening sky for viewers in the southern hemisphere post-perihelion.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of C/2024 G3, visibility is anticipated to commence just after sunset on January 13 in the southern hemisphere.
However, observers in the northern hemisphere may find it challenging, as the comet will appear low on the horizon during sunset or dawn, likely obscured by twilight.
The close proximity to the sun poses risks for viewing, and it is advisable that only experienced astronomers attempt to observe C/2024 G3.
Staring directly at the sun can cause severe eye injuries without proper equipment.
A Viewing Experience
Moreover, the waning moon might further complicate visibility, adding to the difficulty of spotting the comet.
While some viewers in the southern hemisphere may catch a glimpse without assistance, using binoculars or telescopes could significantly enhance the experience.
For those eager to follow this astronomical event, real-time images will be available from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory’s Lasco C3 coronagraph, alongside resources from the IAU Minor Planet Center and the Comet Observation (COBS) database.
This is an event not to be missed.
“`htmlStudy Details:
- Upcoming comet: Atlas C/2024 G3
- Quote by: Nick James, director of the comet section of the British Astronomical Association
- Topic: Comet’s survival after close approach to the sun
- Related resources: Planetary Society, Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, IAU Minor Planet Center
- Link: Planetary Society