Get ready for a celestial spectacle like no other! On January 13, 2025, the brightest comet of the year will light up the night sky in the southern hemisphere.
The Brightest Comet of 2025: What to Expect
On January 13, the comet Atlas C/2024 G3 will reach its closest point to the sun, marking a spectacular event in the sky. This comet is expected to be the brightest of 2025, visible to the naked eye for people located in the southern hemisphere.
The Comet’s Origin and Journey
Discovered on April 5, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (Atlas), comet C/2024 G3 originates from the Oort Cloud, a remote region at the outer edge of the solar system. Its close journey to the sun raises questions about its survival, as it is estimated to have already survived a close pass 160,000 years ago.
Visibility and Safety Precautions
If the comet survives unscathed, it will be visible in the southern hemisphere to the west just after sunset on January 13. However, observing the comet can be challenging due to its proximity to the sun, which may cause eye damage if not done properly. It is recommended that only experienced observers attempt to view the comet, and even then, protective equipment should be used.
How to Observe the Comet
For those who want to witness this celestial event, there are several options available. Binoculars or a telescope might be necessary for observation in the southern hemisphere. Alternatively, following the comet’s trajectory through images from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory’s Lasco C3 coronagraph or consulting the IAU Minor Planet Center or Comet OBServation (COBS) database can provide an alternative way to experience the event.
Additional Resources
This story was originally published on WIRED Italia and has been translated into English. For more information, please visit the websites mentioned above.
