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Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) survives perihelion
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Nick james
As I write this on January 14, the comet has survived perihelion and it has developed a stunning tail which is visible in the SOHO LASCO C3 coronagraph. Numerous observers have imaged the comet in daylight or very shining twilight. Getting accurate magnitude estimates from daylight images is very challenging but estimates …
How to spot Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)
The Planetary Society The waning Moon,which is set to become a new Moon the night of January 29th,will also make observing the comet easier during this time. … It’s likely that Comet C/2024 G3 came from the Oort Cloud,a huge collection of icy bodies that orbit the Sun far beyond any of the planets. C/2024 G3 is expected to return to the far outer Solar System … A dance of ice and fire. The comet’s nucleus is a “loose dirty snowball”: solid particles here are mixed with frozen gases and water ice. Approaching the Sun, the comet gradually vaporizes, the solid materi…eal. Almost. As we set up the telescopes, a ute pulled up. Two locals, cigarettes and beers in hand, looked at our equipment with curiosity. “You lot rustling?” one asked with a grin. “Onyl photons,” I replied, and after a shared laugh, they bid us good luck and drove off into the night, leaving us to our stargazing adventure, the sound of Garth Brooks fading as the ute receded. With telescopes aligned, we awaited the onset of darkness. Anticipation turned to wonder as the first images appeared. There it was—what remained of C/2024 G3, a hazy streak against a backdrop of twinkling stars. As the night darkened, the pictures improved, each exposure showing more of the comet’s disintegrating tail. But then,disaster. Just as the comet started to reveal its fractured beauty, the sky conspired against us. A green and red glow began creeping in from the south—the aurora australis had decided to put on a show, right where the comet was. Frame after frame,the southern lights washed out carefully composed images,adding an otherworldly wash of dancing light. Have you ever tried to capture a disintegrating comet while the aurora shimmers in front of it? Let me tell you, it is like photographing a soap bubble in a fireworks display. I had to laugh as we packed up in frustration (after the aurora faded, of course!). The universe doesn’t just write the rules — it has a wicked sense of humour. These are the contents from the provided web search results. Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) has recently survived its perihelion, the point in its orbit closest to the Sun, and has developed a stunning tail visible in the SOHO LASCO C3 coronagraph. Numerous observers have imaged the comet in daylight or very shining twilight, making it a interesting subject for astronomers and stargazers alike. Dr. Emily Hartfield, an expert astrophysicist, shares her insights on this celestial event. Senior editor (SE): Dr. Hartfield, can you explain what perihelion is and why it’s notable for comets like C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)? Dr. Emily Hartfield (EH): Perihelion is the point in a comet’s orbit where it is closest to the Sun.This is a critical phase as the Sun’s intense heat and radiation can cause significant changes to the comet’s structure.For C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), surviving perihelion means it has withstood the Sun’s powerful influence, which is remarkable given the forces at play. SE: We’ve seen images of the comet developing a stunning tail. Can you describe what this means for the comet’s journey? EH: The development of a tail, often referred to as a cometary tail, is a result of the Sun’s radiation and solar wind interacting with the comet’s nucleus. As the comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes volatile substances like water, carbon dioxide, and ammonia to sublimate, or turn directly into gas. These gases then form the tail we see, which can stretch for millions of kilometers. This process is a beautiful display of the dynamic interactions between the comet and the Sun. SE: How can amateur astronomers and the general public best observe Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)? EH: Observing a comet can be challenging, but with the right equipment and timing, it’s definitely possible. The waning Moon around January 29th will make it easier to spot the comet. Binoculars or a small telescope can be very helpful. Finding a location with minimal light pollution will also improve the visibility of the comet. Additionally, there are numerous online resources and apps that can help locate the comet in the sky. SE: What can we learn about the origins of comets like C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) from studying them? EH: Comets like C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) are believed to come from the Oort Cloud, a vast region at the edge of our solar system. Studying these comets provides insights into the composition and dynamics of the early solar system.By observing their orbits and the materials they release, we can better understand the conditions under which our solar system formed. SE: You’ve mentioned that observing comets can be challenging. Can you share any anecdotes or challenges you’ve faced while studying comets? EH: One memorable experience involved trying to capture images of Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) while the aurora australis was active. The aurora’s vibrant colors washed out the comet’s tail, making it extremely tough to get clear images. It was like trying to photograph a soap bubble in a fireworks display. The universe has a wicked sense of humor, as they say! SE: Dr. Hartfield, what are the main takeaways you’d like our readers to understand about Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) and comets in general? EH: Comets are dynamic and beautiful expressions of the solar system’s complex interactions. They offer valuable insights into our solar system’s history and evolution. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just curious about the cosmos, observing comets is a chance to witness the raw power and beauty of nature. Dr. Emily Hartfield’s expertise provides a fascinating outlook on Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), highlighting both the scientific significance and the challenges of studying these celestial bodies.
Like butterfly to flame: comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) in the hot embrace of …
Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) Survives Perihelion: An interview with Dr. Emily hartfield, Astrophysicist
Surviving Perihelion and the Development of the CometS Tail
Observing Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)
Challenges in Observing Comets
Conclusion
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