brightest Comet of 2025? Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) Reaches Perihelion
On January 12, 2025, teh LASCO C3 imager aboard the SOHO spacecraft captured stunning images of Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) as it entered the field of view. This comet, perhaps the brightest of 2025, is now approaching it’s closest point to the sun, known as perihelion, on january 13.
Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) has already outshone Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), which was the brightest comet in 27 years and visible just a few months ago. The question on everyone’s mind: Will Comet G3 survive its perilous journey near the sun?
A Close Encounter with the Sun
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During perihelion,Comet ATLAS C/2024 G3 will come within 8.3 million miles (13.5 million kilometers) of the sun, or just 0.09 astronomical units (AU). This close pass could make it shine brighter than Venus,offering a stunning sight for skywatchers.
The best views will be in the Southern Hemisphere, where the comet will be visible after sunset in mid-January. Observers in the northern Hemisphere, however, will have to rely on spacecraft imagery, as the comet will be too close to the sun for safe viewing.
A Long-Period Comet with a Mysterious Past
Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on April 5, 2024, Comet C/2024 G3 is a long-period comet with an orbital period of approximately 160,000 years. Astronomers believe it may have passed the sun once before, which could increase its chances of surviving this close encounter.
Will It Survive?
The intense heat and gravitational forces near the sun pose a notable threat to comets. While some, like Comet C/2023 A3, have survived similar encounters, others disintegrate. Only time will tell if Comet G3 will emerge intact.
Key Facts About Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Discovery Date | April 5, 2024 |
| Discoverer | ATLAS |
| Perihelion Date | January 13,2025 |
| Closest Approach to Sun| 8.3 million miles (13.5 million km) or 0.09 AU |
| Orbital Period | ~160,000 years |
| Best Viewing Location | Southern hemisphere, after sunset in mid-January |
A Celestial Spectacle
As Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) reaches perihelion, astronomers and skywatchers alike are eagerly awaiting its fate. will it become the brightest comet of 2025,or will it succumb to the sun’s intense forces?
for those in the Southern Hemisphere,this is a rare opportunity to witness a potentially historic celestial event. Don’t forget to check out the 2025 EarthSky Lunar Calendar for more astronomical highlights throughout the year.
Stay tuned for updates as Comet G3 continues its journey through the solar system. will it survive? Only time will tell.
Comet ATLAS G3: Could it Be the Brightest Comet of 2025?
Comet ATLAS G3 is poised to light up the night sky in early 2025, potentially becoming the brightest comet of the year.With predictions suggesting it could outshine even the brightest stars, this celestial event is one you won’t want to miss. Here’s everything you need to know about Comet ATLAS G3,including how shining it will be,where and when to see it,and tips for capturing its beauty.
How Bright Will Comet ATLAS Be?
According to the website In-the-Sky, Comet ATLAS G3 could reach a peak magnitude of -6.9 on January 13, 2025. To put that into perspective, an object with a magnitude of -6.9 would be visible even in the daytime sky. Though, the comet’s proximity to the sun will make it dangerous to observe during daylight hours.
Other estimates, such as those from G. van Buitenen’s website,suggest a slightly lower peak magnitude of -3.9. Even at this brightness, Comet ATLAS G3 would still outshine every star in the night sky, excluding the sun.
The comet will come within 5 degrees of the sun from our vantage point on Earth. To visualize this,5 degrees is roughly the amount of sky you can cover with three fingers held at arm’s length. The comet will remain close to the sun for a few days on either side of its perihelion (closest approach to the sun), making it a challenging but rewarding target for observers.
How to See Comet ATLAS
For Southern Hemisphere Observers
If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, your best chance to see Comet ATLAS G3 will be immediately after sunset starting in mid-January 2025. Initially, the comet will appear extremely low on the horizon, still lingering near the sun.As it climbs higher in the sky, it will gradually dim, making it more difficult to spot.
The first opportunity to catch a glimpse of the comet may be on January 16, as it begins to move away from the sun’s glare.if the comet brightens as predicted,it could remain visible to the naked eye throughout January,offering a stunning spectacle in the southern evening sky.
For Northern Hemisphere Observers
For the 90% of the global population living north of the equator, Comet ATLAS G3 will be sinking toward the southern horizon as it moves away from the sun. Observers in the southernmost parts of the Northern Hemisphere may have a better chance of spotting the comet just after perihelion, notably during the early evening hours after sunset.
If Comet ATLAS G3 develops a long tail, there’s a possibility that the tail could remain visible above the horizon even after the comet’s head has dipped below it. This phenomenon has occurred before, most notably with Comet McNaught, which dazzled observers in 2007.
Will Comet ATLAS G3 Be the Brightest Comet of 2025?
Only time will tell if Comet ATLAS G3 lives up to its potential as the brightest comet of 2025. Its predicted magnitude and proximity to the sun make it a strong contender, but comets are notoriously unpredictable. As astronomer Petr Horálek, who captured the stunning image of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS A3 in 2024, noted, “Comets are like cats—they have tails, and they do whatever they want.”
Key Facts About Comet ATLAS G3
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Peak Magnitude | -6.9 (In-the-Sky) / -3.9 (G. van Buitenen) |
| Closest Approach to Sun| Within 5 degrees |
| Best Viewing Dates | Mid-January to late January 2025 |
| Best Viewing Location | Southern Hemisphere (low on horizon) / Northern Hemisphere (southern skies)|
| Visibility | Potentially visible to the naked eye |
capture the Moment
If you’re lucky enough to spot Comet ATLAS G3, consider capturing its beauty and sharing it with the world. You can submit your photos to the EarthSky Community Photos gallery, where stargazers from around the globe share their celestial snapshots.
Final Thoughts
Comet ATLAS G3 promises to be a breathtaking sight in the early weeks of 2025. Whether you’re in the Southern Hemisphere with a front-row seat or in the Northern Hemisphere hoping for a glimpse of its tail, this comet is worth keeping an eye on.Will it be the brightest comet of the year? Stay tuned, and keep your eyes on the skies!Comet ATLAS G3: The Brightest Comet of 2025, But a Challenge to Spot
in 2025, the skies may hold a celestial spectacle—Comet ATLAS G3, potentially the brightest comet of the year. However, spotting it won’t be easy. According to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), this comet will be so close to the sun, making it a challenging observation for astronomers and enthusiasts alike.
“Bottom line: Comet ATLAS G3 might be the brightest comet of 2025. Even so,it will be challenging to spot as it will be so close to the sun,” as reported by Kelly Kizer Whitt,a seasoned science writer and editor at EarthSky.org.Whitt, who has decades of experience in astronomy, began her career at Astronomy Magazine and has contributed to various outlets, including AstronomyToday and the Sierra Club.
Comet ATLAS G3’s proximity to the sun raises questions about its visibility. While its brightness could make it a standout event, its position near the sun’s glare could obscure it from view. This duality—brilliance versus obscurity—makes it a fascinating subject for astronomers.
To better understand the comet’s characteristics, here’s a summary of key points:
| Key Details About Comet ATLAS G3 |
|————————————–|
| Brightness | Potentially the brightest comet of 2025 |
| Visibility | Challenging due to proximity to the sun |
| Source | Reported by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) |
For those eager to learn more about celestial events, Kelly Kizer Whitt’s extensive work on astronomy offers a wealth of knowledge. Her contributions to earthsky.org and her nine published books, including Solar System Forecast and A Different Sky, provide insights into the wonders of the universe.
As 2025 approaches, astronomers and skywatchers will keep their eyes on Comet ATLAS G3. Will it live up to its potential as the brightest comet of the year? Only time will tell.
For more updates on celestial events, visit earthsky.org and explore the fascinating stories curated by Kelly Kizer Whitt.
Comet ATLAS G3: Could it Be the Brightest Comet of 2025?
Comet ATLAS G3 is poised to light up the night sky in early 2025,perhaps becoming the brightest comet of the year.With predictions suggesting it could outshine even the brightest stars,this celestial event is one you won’t want to miss. Here’s everything you need to know about Comet ATLAS G3, including how bright it will be, where and when to see it, and tips for capturing its beauty.
How Bright Will Comet ATLAS Be?
According to the website In-the-Sky, comet ATLAS G3 could reach a peak magnitude of -6.9 on January 13, 2025. To put that into viewpoint, an object with a magnitude of -6.9 would be visible even in the daytime sky. However, the comet’s proximity to the sun will make it risky to observe during daylight hours.
Other estimates, such as those from G. van Buitenen’s website, suggest a slightly lower peak magnitude of -3.9. Even at this brightness, Comet ATLAS G3 would still outshine every star in the night sky, excluding the sun.
The comet will come within 5 degrees of the sun from our vantage point on Earth. To visualize this, 5 degrees is roughly the amount of sky you can cover with three fingers held at arm’s length. The comet will remain close to the sun for a few days on either side of its perihelion (closest approach to the sun), making it a challenging but rewarding target for observers.
How to See Comet ATLAS
For Southern Hemisphere Observers
If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, your best chance to see Comet ATLAS G3 will be immediately after sunset starting in mid-January 2025.Initially, the comet will appear extremely low on the horizon, still lingering near the sun. As it climbs higher in the sky, it will gradually dim, making it more arduous to spot.
The first possibility to catch a glimpse of the comet may be on january 16, as it begins to move away from the sun’s glare. If the comet brightens as predicted, it could remain visible to the naked eye throughout January, offering a stunning spectacle in the southern evening sky.
For Northern Hemisphere Observers
For the 90% of the global population living north of the equator, Comet ATLAS G3 will be sinking toward the southern horizon as it moves away from the sun. Observers in the southernmost parts of the Northern Hemisphere may have a better chance of spotting the comet just after perihelion,notably during the early evening hours after sunset.
If Comet ATLAS G3 develops a long tail, there’s a possibility that the tail could remain visible above the horizon even after the comet’s head has dipped below it. This phenomenon has occurred before, most notably with Comet McNaught, which dazzled observers in 2007.
Will Comet ATLAS G3 Be the Brightest Comet of 2025?
only time will tell if Comet ATLAS G3 lives up to its potential as the brightest comet of 2025.Its predicted magnitude and proximity to the sun make it a strong contender, but comets are notoriously unpredictable. As astronomer Petr Horálek, who captured the stunning image of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS A3 in 2024, noted, “Comets are like cats—they have tails, and they do whatever they want.”
Key Facts About Comet ATLAS G3
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Peak Magnitude | -6.9 (In-the-Sky) / -3.9 (G. van Buitenen) |
| Closest Approach to Sun | Within 5 degrees |
| Best Viewing Dates | Mid-January to late January 2025 |
| Best Viewing Location | Southern Hemisphere (low on horizon) / Northern Hemisphere (southern skies) |
| Visibility | Potentially visible to the naked eye |
comet ATLAS G3 is a rare celestial event that could become one of the most memorable astronomical phenomena of 2025. Whether it lives up to its potential or fizzles out, its journey through the solar system is one that’s worth keeping an eye on. Stay tuned for updates as Comet G3 continues its journey through the solar system. Will it survive? Only time will tell.
