Enthusiasts of the night sky should prepare for a rare sight: a comet that won’t return for another 160,000 years.
Comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024), discovered in April 2024, is currently orbiting the Sun and will be visible without a telescope.
When first identified last year, the comet was 407 million miles from our planet.
Experts have named it ‘the brightest comet of 2025 so far’, and advise against looking directly at the Sun to see this rare cosmic body.
The closest approach of the comet was expected on Monday (January 13), though it will remain ‘extremely low in the southwestern sky’ from January 15 to January 18.
According to Dr. Shyam Balaji, a researcher at King’s College London in astroparticle physics and cosmology, Comet ATLAS is anticipated to shine brightly.
Dr. Balaji explained: “The comet’s brightness will be influenced by its proximity to the Sun, which causes ice and frozen gases to sublimate, creating a coma and potentially a tail.”
He added, “While some predictions suggest it could become quite bright, comet brightness predictions are notoriously uncertain. Many comets end up being fainter than initially expected.”
For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, including the UK and North America, viewing the comet may be ‘challenging’.
Dr. Balaji noted, “Viewing conditions may be challenging due to the comet’s position relative to the Sun.”
“Visibility will depend heavily on local conditions and the comet’s actual brightness. Observers should consult local astronomy resources for up-to-date viewing recommendations as the date approaches.”
The ongoing LA wildfires could also pose viewing difficulties.
Tim Brothers, Technical Instructor and Observatory Manager at MIT, mentioned to USA Today, “The smoke from the fires and our current weather patterns won’t help.”
To improve viewing chances, Dr. Balaji provided some helpful tips.
He suggests finding a dark location away from city lights, using binoculars or a small telescope as comets can appear dimmer than expected, using current astronomical software or websites for the comet’s location, and checking reliable astronomy websites for updated viewing information.
Dr. Balaji also advises exercising caution when attempting to view the comet at sunrise or sunset.