Comet ATLAS (C/2024 G3) is visible in the Northern Hemisphere sky, requiring observers to get up close and personal with their telescopes or binoculars. The comet has been steadily brightening since January 8th, reaching magnitude 0 as seen from the Southern Hemisphere. In contrast, Northern Hemisphere viewers have had a harder time spotting it due to its low altitude and twilight conditions.
Comet ATLAS will be at its best for Northern Hemisphere observers during the dawn half of its apparition on January 9th-10th. It may appear in binoculars under ideal conditions, approximately 40 minutes before sunrise, but only reaches a height of around 2°-2.5° high in the southeastern sky. Although it is lower than Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS’s altitude last fall, its brighter magnitude might make up for this.
For those who have trouble spotting the comet with binoculars, attaching a telephoto lens and using a camera can help. The live view feature on cameras allows observers to spot the comet and frame a scene to take a picture of it.
Comet ATLAS will be visible in the morning sky from January 9th-13th, matching Mercury’s brightness. As it approaches perihelion on January 13th, it is expected to become as brilliant as Venus, passing just 5° and 0.09 astronomical units from the Sun. After perihelion, the comet will swing into the evening sky, becoming visible in the Southern Hemisphere.
In conclusion, Comet ATLAS presents a challenging but rewarding experience for Northern Hemisphere observers. With careful planning and equipment, viewers can catch glimpses of this spectacular comet before it fades away.
Source: https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/comet-atlas-c-2024-g3-catch-it-if-you-can