C/2024 G3 (ATLAS): The Brightest Comet of early 2025?

C/2024 G3 (ATLAS): The Brightest Comet of Early 2025?
January 8, 2025

The comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) promises to be one of the most captivating astronomical events of the beginning of the year. Discovered in April 2024, this long-period comet from the mysterious Oort Cloud could offer a rare and impressive celestial spectacle, although ephemeral. Here's everything you need to know about this celestial object and how to observe it best.

What Makes C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) Special?

C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) is a so-called "sungrazer" comet, as it will approach very close to our star on January 13, 2025, at a distance of only 0.09 AU (about 13.5 million kilometers). This proximity could lead to a spectacular sublimation of its ices, creating an impressive luminous tail.

Current estimates suggest that the comet could reach a magnitude of -3.5, rivaling the brightness of Venus in the sky. However, its close passage to the Sun also presents a risk: the comet could disintegrate under the intense heat.

When and How to Observe C/2024 G3 (ATLAS)?

The visibility of C/2024 G3 will be very different depending on your location. Here are the key points for its observation:

January 13-15, 2025:

• From the Northern Hemisphere: The comet will be visible in the early evening, just after sunset, very close to the southwest horizon. The optimal moment will be on January 14 at 17:10 UTC, but the conditions will be difficult due to its proximity to the Sun.
• From the Southern Hemisphere: Observers will have more luck, with the comet visible at dawn and offering a clear view after its perihelion.

Recommended Applications: Use applications like Sky Tonight or Stellarium to locate the comet with precision.

The Brightness of C/2024 G3 (ATLAS): What We Know

Since its discovery in April 2024, the comet has undergone several periods of activity:

• December 2024: Magnitude 5 to 5.5, observable with binoculars.
• January 2, 2025: An activity explosion made it reach a magnitude of 3.2, visible to the naked eye under a clear sky.
• January 13, 2025: Its brightness could peak at -3.5, although this forecast remains uncertain due to the unpredictable phenomena surrounding comets.

A Comet from Far Away

C/2024 G3 comes from the Oort Cloud, a frozen region at the edge of the solar system. Although this comet has probably already made close passes to the Sun, its current orbit remains extremely elliptical, with an estimated period of between 135,000 and 450,000 years.

Conclusion: An Opportunity Not to Be Missed

The comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) could be one of the most memorable celestial events of 2025, but its observation will require a little preparation. At Astronomy Store, we offer all the necessary equipment to enjoy this spectacle: binoculars, portable telescopes, and star charts. Visit our site to equip yourself and don't miss this appointment with the stars!