Experts suggest it could be seen by the naked eye starting Monday night.
**Rare Comet Visible for the First Time in 160,000 Years**
**Rare Comet Visible for the First Time in 160,000 Years**
A once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe Comet C/2024 G3 (Atlas) lights up the night sky.
Recent reports indicate that a spectacular comet, Comet C/2024 G3 (Atlas), may soon be visible to skywatchers for the first time in an astounding 160,000 years. NASA announced that while predicting a comet's brightness can often be unpredictable, this celestial body could potentially be bright enough to see without telescopes. As of Monday, the comet reached perihelion — its closest point to the Sun, greatly affecting its visibility.
Skywatchers around the world may have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the comet in the coming days. Experts project that locations in the southern hemisphere might offer the best chances for viewing, as the comet could shine as brightly as Venus. Discovered last year by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, Comet C/2024 G3 has garnered significant attention from astronomers.
Dr. Shyam Balaji, an expert in astroparticle physics and cosmology at King's College London, explained that current calculations suggest the comet will come within approximately 8.3 million miles of the Sun. This qualifies it as a "sun-skirting" comet and reiterates its rarity, being characterized as an event not seen in millennia. He noted that the comet's visibility is highly dependent on local conditions and could vary in brightness after perihelion.
Those hoping to view the comet in the southern hemisphere should look toward the eastern horizon before sunrise and later to the western horizon after sunset. In contrast, viewers in the northern hemisphere, including the UK, may face challenges due to the comet's proximity to the Sun and potential urban light pollution.
For the ideal viewing experience, Dr. Balaji recommended finding a dark location away from city lights and employing binoculars or a small telescope. He also warned of safety concerns during sunrise and sunset when the comet may be visible in the sky.
In an exciting tweet, NASA astronaut Don Pettit shared a stunning photograph of the comet taken from the International Space Station. He expressed his amazement at witnessing this rare celestial phenomenon from orbit. As astronomers continue to track the comet's trajectory, observers should stay updated on weather conditions to enhance their chances of catching this exceptional spectacle.
Skywatchers around the world may have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the comet in the coming days. Experts project that locations in the southern hemisphere might offer the best chances for viewing, as the comet could shine as brightly as Venus. Discovered last year by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, Comet C/2024 G3 has garnered significant attention from astronomers.
Dr. Shyam Balaji, an expert in astroparticle physics and cosmology at King's College London, explained that current calculations suggest the comet will come within approximately 8.3 million miles of the Sun. This qualifies it as a "sun-skirting" comet and reiterates its rarity, being characterized as an event not seen in millennia. He noted that the comet's visibility is highly dependent on local conditions and could vary in brightness after perihelion.
Those hoping to view the comet in the southern hemisphere should look toward the eastern horizon before sunrise and later to the western horizon after sunset. In contrast, viewers in the northern hemisphere, including the UK, may face challenges due to the comet's proximity to the Sun and potential urban light pollution.
For the ideal viewing experience, Dr. Balaji recommended finding a dark location away from city lights and employing binoculars or a small telescope. He also warned of safety concerns during sunrise and sunset when the comet may be visible in the sky.
In an exciting tweet, NASA astronaut Don Pettit shared a stunning photograph of the comet taken from the International Space Station. He expressed his amazement at witnessing this rare celestial phenomenon from orbit. As astronomers continue to track the comet's trajectory, observers should stay updated on weather conditions to enhance their chances of catching this exceptional spectacle.
