The UAE sky is set to dazzle with the appearance of a radiant comet that can be seen with the naked eye after sunset in the west during the coming days.The International Astronomy Center confirmed this celestial event in a statement today, marking a rare astronomical treat for stargazers.
Engineer Muhammad Shawkat odeh, Director of the International Astronomy Center, revealed that this comet, named “Atlas” and designated as C/2024 G3, was discovered on April 5, 2024 by one of the observatories of the Atlas network located in the Republic of chile. “It is indeed likely that this comet is the brightest during the year 2025, as its luminosity reached a magnitude of negative 3.5,” Odeh stated.
When first discovered, the comet was shining at magnitude 19, visible only through large telescopes. By mid-December, its brightness increased to magnitude 8, making it observable with binoculars. As the comet approached the sun and Earth, its brightness surged, reaching its closest point last Monday, passing 13.5 million km from the sun. At that time, it shone at a magnitude of negative 3.5, a remarkable brightness that was monitored and photographed in daylight by ground telescopes, including the Al Khatam Astronomical Observatory in the Abu Dhabi desert.
Odeh added, “from analyzing the images taken of the comet on Monday and Tuesday, it was possible to conclude that the comet is still cohesive and was able to cross the perihelion of the sun without disintegrating.” Due to its proximity to the sun, the comet could only be observed during the day, rising and setting almost with the sun.
As of today, Wednesday, January 15, the comet’s height above the horizon after sunset has become appropriate, allowing it to be seen with the naked eye. “It is noteworthy that the comet’s luminosity began to decrease as of the day before yesterday (Monday), and today (Wednesday) it shines at a magnitude of approximately negative 1.5,” odeh noted. This keeps it an exceptionally bright comet, visible after sunset as the twilight glow fades.
The comet is expected to remain visible with the naked eye in the west until approximately January 21, reaching magnitude 2.7 on that day. This event offers a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to witness a rare celestial phenomenon without the need for specialized equipment.
| Key Data | Details |
|———————|————-|
| Comet Name | Atlas (C/2024 G3) |
| Revelation Date | April 5, 2024 |
| Discovery Location | Atlas network observatory, Chile |
| Peak Luminosity | Magnitude -3.5 |
| Visibility Period | January 15 - January 21 |
| Observation method | Naked eye after sunset |
Don’t miss this chance to witness the brightest comet of 2025. Look to the west after sunset and marvel at this rare astronomical event.
