Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
The comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), originating from the Oort Cloud, last visited the inner solar system 160,000 years ago during the time of Homo heidelbergensis, as noted by astronomers.
On January 13, 2025, G3 will come perilously close to the sun at 8.3 million miles—less than Mercury’s orbit—putting its survival at great risk, according to Nick James of the British Astronomical Association.
If it survives the sun’s heat, G3 is predicted to shine as brightly as Venus, with a magnitude of -4.5, making it the brightest comet of the year and visible even in urban skies.
Observers in the Southern Hemisphere will enjoy the best viewing conditions, where the comet might be seen with the naked eye as it crosses the constellation Sagittarius.
In the Northern Hemisphere, G3 will require telescopes or binoculars for observation, with caution advised due to its proximity to the sun.
While many comets disintegrate under solar heat, G3’s past encounters with the sun suggest it has a chance of survival, sparking excitement and uncertainty among astronomers.
C/2024 G3 is a “dirty snowball” from the solar system’s formation, carrying frozen water, carbon dioxide, methane, and ammonia, offering insights into the universe’s early days.
Key details: Peak visibility on January 13, 2025; best viewed shortly after sunset, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. Use solar filters during the day to avoid eye damage.
Whether surviving or disintegrating, G3 showcases the dynamic nature of the cosmos and serves as a rare opportunity for scientists to study a relic from our solar system’s birth.