'Once-in-a-lifetime view': Comet G3 ATLAS to shine bright in Earth's sky after 160,000 years

Comet visiting Earth (Image: Canva)

Skywatchers are eagerly awaiting a spectacular celestial event as Comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024) prepares to shine at its brightest this week. With its potential to outshine Venus and Jupiter, it could become the brightest comet seen in nearly two decades. This rare visitor from the outer reaches of the solar system will offer a fleeting chance for observers to witness its brilliance as it approaches perihelion on 13 January 2025.

A Rare Visitor from the Distant Past
Discovered on 5 April 2024 by the ATLAS survey in Chile, Comet G3 ATLAS was initially faint and difficult to detect, shining at a magnitude of +19. Its vast orbital path, which takes around 1,60,000 years to complete, makes its current appearance a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

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The comet is set to reach perihelion, its closest point to the Sun, on 13 January, coming within 8.7 million miles. Recent observations show a significant increase in brightness following a dramatic outburst on 2 January. This surge has sparked excitement and curiosity among astronomers.

Challenges and Best Times to Observe
For Northern Hemisphere observers, the comet’s low position on the southeastern horizon and bright twilight have made it difficult to spot. However, its trajectory is shifting northward, offering improved viewing conditions between 12 and 14 January.

On 12 January, the comet will rise about 35 minutes before sunrise, positioned just above the Sun. Observers are advised to use binoculars to scan the eastern horizon for a glimpse of this rare cosmic traveller.

A Brilliant but Unpredictable Display
Predictions suggest that G3 ATLAS may reach an impressive brightness of -3.2, potentially outshining Venus. However, its proximity to the Sun complicates visibility. Experts warn that the recent outburst could signal instability or disintegration, a common occurrence for large comets nearing the Sun.

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Despite the uncertainties, Comet G3 ATLAS promises to be a dazzling addition to the January sky, offering a rare and fleeting glimpse of one of the solar system’s most extraordinary phenomena.