At the start of 2025, a fascinating celestial spectacle could captivate astronomy enthusiasts. ATLAS (C/2024 G3), an icy visitor from the far reaches of the Solar System, is indeed preparing for a close encounter with the Sun. Expected at perihelion on January 13, this comet could become the brightest celestial object of the year by rivaling the brilliance of Venus. However, its proximity to our star raises questions about its survival and ideal observation conditions.
An exceptional comet awaits you
Discovered on April 5, 2024 by the ATLAS network (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System), the comet G3 belongs to the Oort Cloud, a vast sphere of comets at the edge of the Solar System. This icy body may have already passed through the internal regions of our system approximately 160 000 ans. In January 2025, G3 will once again venture close to the Sun and reach a distance of only 13.5 million kilometers. For comparison, Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, orbits 47 million kilometers away.
During its perihelion, the comet will also be closest to Earth, which will offer a unique opportunity for observers. According to estimates, its magnitude could reach -4.5the equivalent of the brightness of Venus. It will then appear in the constellation Sagittarius, in the southern hemisphere, where it could light up the evening sky after sunset.
An uncertain survivor
Although impressive, the comet’s proximity to the Sun nevertheless puts its integrity at risk. G3 will in fact be exposed to extreme temperatures which could cause its disintegration. As Nick James, director of the comets section of the British Astronomical Association, explains: “ It will be heated strongly and may not survive. However, if so, it could be an impressive object in the evening sky. »
This uncertainty reminds us that comets are fragile objects made up mainly of ice and dust. When they approach the Sun, their core experiences intense gravitational and thermal forces which can fragment them. If this comet manages to resist, it will offer a grandiose spectacle, but its fate remains hanging on this critical passage.
-Observation tips and challenges to overcome
For seasoned observers, G3 could provide a memorable moment after its perihelion, especially in the southern hemisphere. However, several factors complicate the observation conditions. First of all, the comet’s proximity to the Sun makes its observation risky. It is therefore imperative to take precautions to avoid damage to your eyes or equipment.
Additionally, light from the Moon could interfere with the visibility of the comet, especially around the full Moon on January 13, also called the Wolf Moon. Fortunately, this discomfort will lessen in the nights that follow as the Moon rises later.
Before perihelion, in the days leading up to January 13, 2025, the comet could also be observable in the northern hemisphere, but at much lower magnitudes. The observation conditions could in fact be limited by the brightness and its low position on the horizon.
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