A new celestial spectacle is approaching as the brightest comet of 2025 prepares to make its closest approach to the sun on Monday, January 13. Comet ATLAS C/2024 G3 will pass within 8.3 million miles of the sun during perihelion, a distance that could potentially outshine Venus.
Discovered in April 2024 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), this comet is believed to be on a 160,000-year orbit. Its past close approaches to the sun may have helped it survive previous encounters, increasing its chances of successfully passing by the sun again.
At its peak, Comet ATLAS C/2024 G3 could reach magnitude -4.9, making it visible during the day. However, due to its proximity to the sun, stargazers are advised to avoid searching for it during the daytime. Those in the Northern Hemisphere can still spot the comet with binoculars in December, but its visibility will be limited shortly after.
In contrast, those living in the Southern Hemisphere will have a better view of the comet just after sunset, above the horizon in the west from mid-January to the end of the month. The comet’s passage is expected to offer a rare opportunity for astronomers and stargazers to witness this celestial phenomenon.
Source: https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-see-the-brightest-comet-of-2025-8769632