If you’re into stargazing, tonight is the night you won’t want to miss.

A rare comet, C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), is making its first appearance in 160,000 years, and it will be visible for a short time.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so be sure to keep your eyes on the sky!

The Journey of Comet C/2024 G3

This comet was first spotted by the ATLAS survey system, and since its discovery, it’s been slowly heading towards the inner solar system.

Right now, it’s making its closest approach to the Sun, coming within about 8.3 million miles of it.

While that may sound far, it’s relatively close in astronomical terms, and scientists have labeled it a “sun-skirter.”

Dr. Shyam Balaji, an expert in astroparticle physics and cosmology from King’s College London, shared that the comet will reach its closest point to the Sun, known as the perihelion, around January 13, 2025.

What Makes Comets So Fascinating?

Comets are fascinating celestial objects made of dust, rock, and frozen gases that date back to the formation of the solar system.

They come in various sizes, from a few miles to tens of miles wide.

As they near the Sun, the heat causes these frozen materials to sublimate, creating a glowing head that can become larger than a planet.

This produces a tail that stretches millions of miles, making comets spectacular to observe.

NASA estimates that there are billions of comets in the solar system, especially in the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud, which are home to objects like Pluto.

The Unpredictability of the Comet’s Brightness

As Comet C/2024 G3 passes the Sun, its brightness will change depending on its proximity to the star.

The closer it gets, the more it heats up, releasing gases and dust, creating a coma and possibly a tail.

However, predicting how bright a comet will be is tricky.

Some comets end up being much dimmer than initially thought.

Dr. Balaji notes that while some forecasts suggest this comet could shine brightly, comet brightness is notoriously unpredictable.

Best Viewing Times and Locations

For those in the Southern Hemisphere, this comet will be best viewed just before sunrise or after sunset by looking towards the eastern or western horizon.

In the Northern Hemisphere, including the UK, viewing may be more challenging because of the comet’s position relative to the Sun.

According to the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams, the comet will make its closest approach to the Sun at 10:17 AM GMT today, and it will pass Earth just a few hours later.

However, the comet will remain visible until January 14.

For places in the US and Europe, the best viewing time will be about 30 minutes after sunset tomorrow.

If You Miss It, You’ll Have to Wait Millennia

Unfortunately, if you miss seeing this comet, you’re in for a long wait.

C/2024 G3 is considered a “long-period” comet, which means it will take thousands of years to return to the solar system.

So, this could be your only chance to see it!

Tips for Viewing the Comet

Find a dark location away from city lights to get the best view.
Consider using binoculars or a small telescope, as comets tend to appear dimmer than expected.
Check astronomy websites or apps for the latest information on the comet’s position.
Be cautious when observing near sunrise or sunset to avoid glare.
Keep an eye on reliable sources for updated viewing info as the date approaches.

This is your opportunity to witness a spectacular astronomical event, so make sure you’re ready!

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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