Comet C/2024 G3 ATLAS was a highly anticipated celestial event that sparked excitement among astronomers and skywatchers alike. Discovered on April 25th, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey, the comet showed promising signs near its perihelion in 2025.
However, as it approached the Sun, the comet’s fate became uncertain. Reaching perihelion just 14 million kilometers from the Sun on January 13th, Comet G3 ATLAS faced a perilous passage that could have ended its existence.
Despite the risks, the comet performed admirably, reaching a magnitude of -3.8 and becoming the brightest comet since P1 McNaught in 2007. The comet’s dust tail was visible to readers worldwide, with many capturing stunning images of the phenomenon.
However, as Comet G3 ATLAS continued its journey, it began to show signs of decline. Images taken on January 18th revealed a fading nucleus and a still-bright tail, which eventually became “headless” due to the comet’s inability to maintain its structure.
Currently, Comet G3 ATLAS remains visible in the constellation Piscis Austrinus at +5th magnitude, with estimates suggesting it will not return for approximately 600,000 years.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/check-out-these-amazing-photos-of-comet-g3-atlas-soaring-past-earth