The comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024) is approaching, offering a chance for sky gazers to see it. This shouldn’t be surprising if the name isn’t familiar, as its discovery is quite recent.
Identified in early April 2024, it was the third comet of that month discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), as noted by PEOPLE.
According to Space.com, it is believed that the comet originated from the Oort Cloud, an area consisting of millions of icy bodies situated about 10 trillion miles from the Sun.
Observing the comet in the night sky might prove to be challenging, as astronomers suggest.
The comet is expected to achieve perihelion on January 13, marking its nearest approach to the Sun.
During this period, it will be around 8.3 million miles from the Sun and will simultaneously reach its closest distance to Earth.
This time, more observers might view it using simple tools like binoculars or a telescope. If visible, it should resemble a bright star with a white or golden hue, according to Space.com.
Both hemispheres will have the opportunity to see it, but it will be more visible from the Southern Hemisphere.
The Sky and Telescope Organization suggests that viewers in the Northern Hemisphere may spot the comet ‘extremely low in the southwestern sky’ between January 15 and 18.
There is speculation from the Planetary Society that the comet could disintegrate as it nears the Sun, but new findings suggest otherwise for Comet G3.
Analysis indicates that it follows an estimated ‘160,000-year orbit’, indicating a long and arduous journey.
This extensive orbit suggests the comet has likely ‘survived at least one close encounter with the Sun before.’
Predicting a comet’s visibility can be tricky, but Forbes notes that it could shine at a -4.5 magnitude, surpassing the brightness of Venus.
While some might see this as ominous, comet expert John Bortle shared with Space.com that there have been reports of ‘unusual’ features, like a ‘shadow of the nucleus’, which typically does not indicate disruption.
“I think chances of its survival are about 50:50.” Bortle commented further.
It’s certainly worth trying to catch a glimpse.