Don’t miss your chance to see Comet Atlas C/2024 G3, a rare sighting in 160,000 years
City: London. Keep your eyes on the sky tonight! A comet that hasn’t been seen in 160,000 years is making its appearance.
This comet, known as Comet Atlas C/2024 G3, is getting close to the sun and might just be the brightest one this year.
It’s a big deal because no other comets will be visible to the naked eye this year. So, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance!
Discovered by the Atlas Survey System, this comet is on its way to perihelion, which is its closest point to the sun, happening on January 13.
Dr. Shyam Balaji from King’s College London mentioned that the comet’s brightness can be a bit unpredictable.
So, if you want to catch a glimpse, keep an eye out around that time, depending on the weather and how the comet behaves.
When it reaches perihelion, it’ll be about 8.3 million miles from the sun. That sounds far, but in space terms, it’s pretty close!
Comet Atlas is basically a frozen chunk of stuff left over from when the solar system formed. As it gets closer to the sun, it heats up and starts to melt, creating a tail that can stretch for miles.
For those in the Northern Hemisphere, there’s a three-day window to see it, from January 12 to 14.
On the evening of the 14th, look about 10 minutes after sunset. The comet will be about 7 degrees above the sun.
It’s best to use binoculars to spot it, but be careful! Looking at the sun can seriously hurt your eyes.
Some folks have already seen it low on the eastern horizon before sunrise, but it’s easier to catch with binoculars or a telescope.
If you have a clear view of the western horizon, you might see it as the sun sets.
Interactive star maps can help you figure out the best time and place to look based on where you are.
And if you can’t get outside, you can still watch it online through the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory.
If Comet Atlas makes it through perihelion, it’ll move to the Southern Hemisphere and be visible after sunset.
