Unveiling the Spectacle: Witnessing the Comet's Arrival After 180,000 Years
This celestial phenomenon, known as Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), is drawing attention after its sudden appearance in the evening sky. This comet has been out of the inner solar system for approximately 180,000 years and won't be back for another 600,000 years, according to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
If you're curious to catch a glimpse, this potentially brightest comet of 2025 is now visiting us, but you'll need to know where to look. Astronaut Don Pettit, aboard the International Space Station, captured a stunning image of the comet, shared the sight on Instagram, exclaiming, "Atlas C2024-G3 is paying us a visit!"
The comet's illustrious journey didn't end at merely surviving its close encounter with the sun, sitting at 8.3 million miles (13.5 million kilometers) away from the solar surface, less than Mercury's average distance. NASA's Parker Solar Probe, however, managed to get closer.
Located in Capricorn and around 91 million miles (146 million kilometers) from Earth, C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) is now navigating the evening sky. Skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere will enjoy the best viewing opportunities, where it's presently shining at +1.8 magnitude.
To spot the comet from the Northern Hemisphere, prepare for some stargazing challenges. You'll need a dark sky, low western horizon, binoculars, and to be outside immediately after sunset. The further south you are in the Northern Hemisphere, the better your chances might be, according to Sky and Telescope's Bob King.
To find the precise location of the comet, utilize Stellarium Web, an incredible online planetarium tool. This handy resource can pinpoint the comet's exact position in your sky.
Initially, it was predicted that the comet would shine as brightly as Venus, but its true brightness is uncertain. While it still holds the potential to outshine many celestial bodies, it may also fade out faster than anticipated. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory warns that its future behavior is unpredictable, suggesting that predictions about its brightness might not hold true.
So, clear your schedule for this magical celestial event and pray for clear skies. Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) is delivering an exceptional cosmic journey that won't be forgotten anytime soon.
Where is Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) tonight? You can find out from Stellarium Web, an online planetarium tool that can pinpoint its exact position in your sky.
How to see Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) tonight if you're in the Northern Hemisphere? Prepare for some stargazing challenges. You'll need a dark sky, low western horizon, binoculars, and to be outside immediately after sunset. The further south you are, the better your chances might be.
If you're interested in seeing Comet G3, this potentially brightest comet of 2025, it's currently navigating the evening sky, located in Capricorn and approximately 91 million miles (146 million kilometers) from Earth.
How to see Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) if you want a closer look? Astronaut Don Pettit, aboard the International Space Station, shared a stunning image of the comet on Instagram, saying, "Atlas C2024-G3 is paying us a visit!" However, be aware that the comet's true brightness is uncertain, and its future behavior is unpredictable, according to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
