Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) captured on 31 December 2024 in Río Hurtado, Chile
Photo by Lionel Majzik
A surprising comet, named C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), has caught the attention of astronomers and is expected to shine brightly like Venus in our night sky over the coming days.
Discovered last year by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, this comet, previously thought to disintegrate, is now on a course that may allow it to pass by Earth intact.
Its new 160,000-year orbit path makes it visible to stargazers in the southern hemisphere. As it journeys closer to the sun, it may become visible with binoculars in the northern hemisphere as well.
Recent observations show the comet is becoming brighter, hinting at a possible breakup. However, it has maintained its brightness, leading to speculations of a brilliant appearance akin to Venus.
If the comet survives, it is expected to be most luminous around its closest approach to the sun on January 13th, offering a three-day viewing opportunity for those in the northern hemisphere from January 12th to 14th.
Whether the comet will be easily visible will depend on various factors, such as its distance from the sun and the potential phenomenon of forward scattering caused by dust particles.
Stay tuned for this rare celestial event and mark your calendars for a chance to witness the beauty of Comet C/2024 G3.
Vocabulary List:
- Astronomers /əˈstrɒn.ə.mərz/ (noun): Scientists who study celestial bodies and the universe.
- Disintegrate /dɪˈsɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪt/ (verb): To break apart into small pieces or fragments.
- Luminous /ˈluː.mɪ.nəs/ (adjective): Emitting or reflecting light; shining.
- Phenomenon /fəˈnɒm.ɪ.nən/ (noun): An observable event or occurrence particularly one that is unusual.
- Scattering /ˈskæt.ər.ɪŋ/ (noun): The process of spreading out over a larger area.
- Speculations /ˌspɛk.jəˈleɪ.ʃənz/ (noun): Conjectures or guesses based on incomplete evidence.
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