Comets are always exciting to observe. They light up the sky with their glowing tails. Comet G3 ATLAS is one of those comets. It was discovered on April 25th, 2024, by the ATLAS survey. This comet was expected to shine brightly as it neared the Sun.
On January 13th, 2025, G3 ATLAS reached perihelion. This is the closest point in its orbit to the Sun. It passed just 14 million kilometers away. The comet’s brightness reached -3.8 magnitude. It was the brightest comet since 2007’s P1 McNaught.
Images of the comet started flooding in. Skywatchers captured its beautiful tail. The comet’s tail was made of dust and gas. Solar winds blew the tail outward. This is a common feature in comets.
However, G3 ATLAS wasn’t visible in the northern skies for long. It was mainly visible south of the ecliptic. From January 8th to January 15th, it appeared briefly in the north. Bright comets seem to prefer southern skies.
Some astrophotographers managed to capture amazing photos of the comet. They took shots of the comet’s dusty tail at dusk. The tail stretched across the sky, creating stunning views.
Fading of Comet
By January 18th, the comet began to fade. Its nucleus became dimmer. This is a common occurrence after a comet’s close pass by the Sun. G3 ATLAS became a “headless comet.” The tail was still bright, but the nucleus was nearly gone.
Now, G3 ATLAS shines at +5 magnitude in Piscis Austrinus. Its brightness is fading, and its tail is still visible. But the comet’s brightest days are behind it. The comet follows an elliptical orbit. It will take 160,000 years to reach the inner solar system again.
G3 ATLAS will take around 600,000 years to complete its orbit. It may return in the distant future. However, for now, the comet’s brief show has ended.
Astrophotographer Dylan O’Donnell shares his thoughts on the challenges of comet hunting. He jokes that moving to the southern hemisphere might be the best option for future comet observers.
While Comet G3 ATLAS is fading, its stunning display will not be forgotten. The beautiful images and memories of this event will last. We may not see another comet like it for a long time.