A stunning comet has captured the attention of astronomers and photographers alike, with its breathtaking views above the European Southern Observatory’s Paranal Observatory in Chile. Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), nicknamed the “Great Comet of 2025,” was visible in the night sky last month and put on a show despite being close to the sun.
The comet’s daytime visibility and spectacular nighttime sightings have earned it this title, with veteran comet hunters praising its appearance. The comet’s tail was captured by several photographers, including Yuri Beletsky and Abel de Burgos Sierra, who described it as “almost like a watercolor painting” and showed multiple tails created by particles of dust and gases.
Comet G3 (ATLAS) passed close to the sun on January 13 and is now moving away from the sun. While its nucleus might have fragmented, the tail remains visible, according to the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The comet’s perihelion was a significant event, but it has survived and continues to captivate astronomers.
The comet’s visit was also monitored by NASA astronauts on the International Space Station and by the joint NASA/ESA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. These observations provide valuable insights into the comet’s behavior and its place in our solar system.
As the world prepares for the completion of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which will be the largest telescope capable of observing the cosmos, Comet G3 (ATLAS) serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of celestial objects.
Source: https://www.space.com/the-universe/comets/comet-g3-atlas-looks-breathtaking-above-future-home-of-worlds-largest-telescope-photos