hot on tail of quadrilateral meteor showerAnother sight in the sky is coming: Comet Atlas C/2024 G3, which will reach perihelion—the point of its orbit closest to the Sun—on January 13. On the same day, we will also see it at its closest. Point it toward Earth, and it could become the brightest comet of 2025, a year in which no other comet is likely to be visible to the naked eye. Here's everything you need to know.
C/2024 G3 was discovered on April 5, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) – a network of telescopes that scan space for asteroids that could potentially hit Earth. Where does a comet come from? oort cloudA remote region at the outer edge of the Solar System that is believed to contain the remains of the material that formed the Solar System's planets.
When comet C/2024 G3 reaches perihelion, it will come within just 13.5 million kilometers of the Sun – for reference, Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun, orbits the star at a distance of 47 million kilometers. According to the latest calculations reported by planetary societyC/2024 G3 can reach brightness of -4.5, about the same as Venus, and is likely to be visible to the naked eye for those located in the Southern Hemisphere.
However, the comet's unusually close trip to the Sun raises questions about whether it will survive. Its orbital path suggests that it is a dynamically old comet, and this is not its first trip around the Sun. In fact, its last approach is estimated to be around 160,000 years ago, meaning it may have already survived a close pass. “It would be too hot to survive,” says Nick James, director of the comet section of the NASA Astronaut Society. British Astronomical Association“But if it does, it could be an impressive object in the evening sky from the Southern Hemisphere after perihelion.”
How to observe a comet
If it survives unharmed, the comet will be visible in the west in the Southern Hemisphere shortly after sunset on January 13. The comet's orbital structure makes it difficult to observe for those in the Northern Hemisphere – it will appear very low in the sky shortly thereafter. Before sunset or sunrise, but likely after dusk.
The comet's proximity to the Sun means it can be dangerous to identify, and James says C/2024 G3 should “only be seen if you are an experienced observer.” Looking directly at the sun without protective equipment can cause permanent eye damage.
There will also be interference with the light of the Moon, which will be in its waning phases, which may make observations more difficult. It may be possible to see the comet with the naked eye in the Southern Hemisphere, but binoculars or a telescope may be required.
Those who do not want to miss the show can follow the comet in pictures Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Lasko C3 Coronagraph, or consult IAU Minor Planet Center Or Comet Observations (COBS) Database.
This story was originally published on wired italia And it has been translated from Italian.