The comet promises a stunning display, particularly for those in the southern hemisphere, but its brightness and visibility remain uncertain.
Rare Comet C/2024 G3 (Atlas) Offers Once-in-a-Lifetime Viewing Opportunity
Rare Comet C/2024 G3 (Atlas) Offers Once-in-a-Lifetime Viewing Opportunity
Astronomers warn that C/2024 G3 (Atlas) could only be visible for the first time in 160,000 years, encouraging stargazers to plan ahead for optimal viewing.
As fine-tuned astronomers around the globe turn their eyes toward the night sky, a rare celestial event is imminent—Comet C/2024 G3 (Atlas) could be visible to the naked eye for the very first time in 160,000 years. NASA confirmed that the comet reached its perihelion this past Monday, the point at which it is nearest to the Sun, thereby influencing its expected brightness. Although precise visibility locations remain elusive, experts indicate that it may shine as brightly as Venus, particularly for observers in the southern hemisphere.
Discovered last year by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, the comet's path will bring it within approximately 8.3 million miles from the Sun, categorizing it as a "sun-skirting" comet, as noted by astrophysicist Dr. Shyam Balaji of King's College London. He remarked on the unpredictability in comet behavior, stressing that "opportunities to spot the comet may occur in the days around perihelion."
For those in the southern hemisphere looking to catch a glimpse of this historical phenomenon, Dr. Balaji suggests gazing towards the eastern horizon just before sunrise. After perihelion, observers should shift their gaze towards the western horizon post-sunset. However, he cautioned that while the comet is anticipated to be "quite bright," its visibility could falter, as is often the case with comet predictions.
In contrast, sky-watchers in the northern hemisphere, including regions like the United Kingdom, may face challenges due to the comet's position relative to sunlight. NASA astronaut Don Pettit captured a breathtaking image of Comet C/2024 G3 from aboard the International Space Station, showcasing its beauty from a unique vantage point.
Experts recommend selecting viewing locations that minimize light pollution and using binoculars or small telescopes for enhanced visibility. Stargazers are also advised to remain vigilant during dawn and dusk, tracking the comet's trajectory to maximize their viewing experience amid varying sky conditions. For real-time updates on weather and sky clarity, interested viewers can consult resources like BBC Weather to enhance their chances of witnessing this extraordinary cosmic event.
Discovered last year by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, the comet's path will bring it within approximately 8.3 million miles from the Sun, categorizing it as a "sun-skirting" comet, as noted by astrophysicist Dr. Shyam Balaji of King's College London. He remarked on the unpredictability in comet behavior, stressing that "opportunities to spot the comet may occur in the days around perihelion."
For those in the southern hemisphere looking to catch a glimpse of this historical phenomenon, Dr. Balaji suggests gazing towards the eastern horizon just before sunrise. After perihelion, observers should shift their gaze towards the western horizon post-sunset. However, he cautioned that while the comet is anticipated to be "quite bright," its visibility could falter, as is often the case with comet predictions.
In contrast, sky-watchers in the northern hemisphere, including regions like the United Kingdom, may face challenges due to the comet's position relative to sunlight. NASA astronaut Don Pettit captured a breathtaking image of Comet C/2024 G3 from aboard the International Space Station, showcasing its beauty from a unique vantage point.
Experts recommend selecting viewing locations that minimize light pollution and using binoculars or small telescopes for enhanced visibility. Stargazers are also advised to remain vigilant during dawn and dusk, tracking the comet's trajectory to maximize their viewing experience amid varying sky conditions. For real-time updates on weather and sky clarity, interested viewers can consult resources like BBC Weather to enhance their chances of witnessing this extraordinary cosmic event.
