'Once-in-a-lifetime view': Comet set to shine through Earth's skies after 160,000 years

Skywatchers are excited about a rare event this week as Comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024), the brightest comet in nearly 20 years, reaches its peak brightness. The comet, which orbits the Sun once every 160,000 years, is set to offer a once-in-a-lifetime view that stargazers won't want to miss.

Discovered on April 5, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Chile, G3 ATLAS was initially very faint, shining about 158,000 times dimmer than the faintest stars visible to the naked eye. But as it gets closer to the Sun, it has started to brighten.

Recent observations show that the comet had a big outburst on January 2, 2025, causing its brightness to increase almost four times. While this is exciting, experts like comet observer John Bortle warn that this sudden change could mean the comet might break apart. However, they also note that this is typical for large comets as they get closer to the Sun.

G3 ATLAS takes 160,000 years to complete one orbit around the Sun, making its appearance a very rare event. As it approaches perihelion (the point closest to the Sun) on January 13, 2025, when it will be just 8.7 million miles away, astronomers are hoping for a great show.

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it has been hard to see the comet so far because it has been low on the southeastern horizon, hidden by bright morning twilight. However, from January 12 to 14, observers will have their best chance to spot G3 ATLAS, as it moves northward. On January 12, the comet will rise about 35 minutes before sunrise and be just above the Sun.

Skywatchers should use binoculars and look at the eastern horizon during this time to see the comet clearly. Predictions suggest G3 ATLAS could shine at a brightness of -3.2, making it brighter than both Jupiter and Venus, though its closeness to the Sun will still make it hard to spot.

Even though watching comets can be unpredictable, G3 ATLAS offers a rare chance to see a comet that won't return for another 160,000 years. If you’re lucky enough to see it, it will surely be a memorable experience.