What’s a better way to start the New Year than with a new comet visitor from outer space? Just like the previous year, this year brings us a great comet named C/2024 G3 (ATLAS). So, get ready to update your bucket list with a more exciting experience, as this frosty visitor makes its way to light up our skies, blessing us with its presence. Be prepared as we dive in to explore its journey!
What is a comet and why are they special?
Let us first understand what comets are and why they are so important.
Comets are icy bodies composed of rock, dust, and gases orbiting our Sun. They were formed from the leftovers that remained during the time of the formation of the solar system. Think of them as those vintage showpieces at home that hold a lot of stories and memories from the past. Similarly, comets, or we may call them ‘antique wanderers,’ carry the secrets of the Solar System’s history.
Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)
Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) is a long-period comet discovered on 5th April 2024 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). The ‘2024 G3’ in its name represents that it was the third comet discovered in April 2024. Originating likely from the Oort Cloud (a spherical shell, containing billions of objects, surrounding our Solar System), this comet is making its rare journey into the inner solar system.
Is comet C/2024 G3 a threat to Earth?
A common question that arises is: Do these comets hit Earth?
The answer is NO!!; comets, just like other planets, orbit our Sun. The chances of a comet hitting Earth are extremely low, and for this, we all can take a moment to thank Jupiter. The gas giant’s immense gravitational field keeps our planet safe from any potential impactors by either deflecting or capturing these space visitors.
Credit: Hubble Space Telescope Comet Team/NASA
A great example is the comet Shoemaker Levy-9 which collided with Jupiter in July 1994. This was the first-ever comet and planet collision recorded in history. Want to know more about the impact? Click here.
But don’t worry; C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) is like a good relative who shows up once in a blue moon, bringing excitement, providing an excellent opportunity for astrophotography, and leaving without interfering or causing any trouble.
Future of comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS): Will it survive?
Are you the kind of person who enjoys adventures and loves taking risky paths in life? Then there is not much difference between you and comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)! As it’s about to make a bold journey, passing extremely close to the Sun. Initially thought to be a new visitor, sungrazing comets like these often tend to break apart in fragments or evaporate completely due to the intense heat of the Sun during perihelion.
Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI and D. Jewitt (UCLA)
But wait, don’t lose hope just yet! This might not be the first time Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) is taking a risk. The new studies suggest that the comet is around 160,000 years old, which means it has survived at least one trip around our Sun before. This increases its chances of gracing our skies once again. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that it continues to shine and light up our sky.
Best time to watch Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)
Excited to catch a glimpse of comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)? Be ready, as this comet is set to reach its perihelion on 13th January 2025 at only a distance of about 0.093 AU from the Sun.
Fun fact: Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) will reach three times closer to the Sun than Mercury’s perihelion distance!
With such a close encounter, it’s predicted that the comet could even reach a magnitude of -4, making it visible with the naked eye and potentially the brightest comet of 2025.
Did you know?
Comets like C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) can appear even brighter due to a phenomenon known as ‘forward scattering.’ The dust particles and the icy crystals in comets cause the sunlight to scatter in a forward direction, making it appear more luminous to the observer.
Where to watch the comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)?
From the Northern Hemisphere, it might be a little tricky to spot the comet during its perihelion as it will be closer to the Sun. However, if it reaches the predicted magnitude, we might be able to catch a glimpse near the horizon during the sunset.
For the Southern Hemisphere, the comet is expected to put on a great show in the sky a week after perihelion!
Wondering where to look?
From mid-January, Southern Hemisphere observers should keep their eyes on the constellation Capricornus, just after sunset around the western horizon. Shortly after that, the comet will start moving from Capricornus to Piscis Austrinus until it eventually fades away for the next 160,000 years!
How to watch the comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)?
The best part of this comet is that it is a naked-eye comet! We won’t need any equipment once it comes closer to its perihelion. All you will need is good eyesight since its proximity to the Sun in our sky.
And speaking of celestial events, the skies in January are offering more than one spectacle! Before the comet takes the spotlight, a dazzling meteor shower will peak on January 4th, named Quadrantids Meteor Shower. Curious to know more about them? Click here to dive in.
Credits: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team.
Tips for Watching Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)
- The key to spotting this comet is finding a location with minimal light pollution and a clear horizon.
- Check the weather: Clear skies would be essential, especially near the horizon, on the days you are planning to watch.
- Avoid using binoculars or telescopes: use of any such equipment might be a little risky since the comet will be near the Sun.
- You can track this comet with the help of astronomy apps like Stellarium or SkySafari to know about the exact location of the comet in the sky.
As comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) makes its way across the sky, we are about to witness a rare and unforgettable celestial event. Whether you are an experienced astronomer or a casual stargazer, this year brings you a cosmic gem of eons from a faraway place in space, so definitely, you wouldn’t want to miss it. So stay curious; keep your excitement alive as this space nomad visits us, showcasing its glow as it journeys through the universe.
Wishing you all clear skies and happy comet watching!
Enjoyed reading this? Consider reading:
- Are the telescopes and binoculars necessary for an amazing stargazing night? – Stargazing Mumbai
- Astronomical Events in January 2025- A Spectacular Start to New Year
- 5 Astonishing Reasons Why Meteor Showers Are Truly Spectacular – Stargazing Mumbai
