hot on tail of Quadrilateral meteor showerAnother spectacle is coming up in the sky: Comet Atlas C/2024 G3, which will reach perihelion—the point of its orbit closest to the Sun—on January 13. On the same day, we will also see it at its closest. points toward Earth, and it could become the brightest comet of 2025, during a year in which no other comet is likely to be visible to the naked eye. Here’s everything you need to know.
C/2024 G3 was discovered on April 5, 2024 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) – a network of telescopes that scan space for asteroids likely to hit Earth. Comes from the comet Oort CloudA distant region at the outer edge of the Solar System that is believed to contain remnants of material that formed the planets of the Solar System.
When comet C/2024 G3 reaches perihelion, it will come within just 13.5 million kilometers of the Sun – for reference, Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, orbits the star at a distance of 47 million kilometers. According to recent calculations reported by Planetary SocietyC/2024 G3 can reach a brightness of magnitude -4.5, similar to that of Venus, and is likely to be visible to the naked eye for those located in the Southern Hemisphere.
The comet’s unusually close trip to the Sun, however, raises questions about whether it will survive. Its orbital path suggests that it is a dynamically old comet, and that this is not its first trip around the Sun. In fact, its last approach is estimated to have been around 160,000 years ago, which means it may have already survived a close pass. “It will be very hot and may not survive,” said Nick James, director of the comet section. British Astronomical Association. “But if it does, it could be a dominant object in the evening sky from the Southern Hemisphere after perihelion.”
How to Observe a Comet
If it survives safely, the comet will be visible in the Southern Hemisphere to the west shortly after sunset on January 13. The comet’s orbital configuration makes it difficult to see for those in the Northern Hemisphere—it will be barely visible in the sky immediately afterward. Pre-sunset or pre-sunrise, but likely sunset by dusk.
The comet’s proximity to the Sun means it can be tricky to spot, and James says C/2024 G3 “should only be seen if you’re an experienced observer.” Looking directly at the sun without protective equipment can cause permanent eye damage.
There will also be interference from the light of the Moon, which will be in its waning phases, which can make observations more difficult. In the Southern Hemisphere it may be possible to observe the comet with the naked eye, but binoculars or binoculars may be required.
Those who do not want to miss the show can follow the comet in images of Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Lasco C3 coronagraph, or consult IAU Minor Planet Center or Comet Observation (COBS) database.
This story actually appeared Wired Italia and translated from the Italian.
