Comet ATLAS (C/2024 G3), also known as the “New Year comet,” is set to make a close pass to Earth on January 13, 2025. However, its visibility will be limited to observers in the Southern Hemisphere due to its position in the constellation Sagittarius.
On that date, Comet ATLAS G3 will come within 8.3 million miles of the Sun and potentially shine as brightly as magnitude -4.5, rivaling Venus in the night sky. However, its close proximity to the Sun poses a significant challenge to its survival, and it may disintegrate before becoming visible.
In fact, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe reached just 3.86 million miles from the Sun’s surface on December 24, 2024, and survived due to its thermal armor. The intense heat and gravitational forces at 8.3 million miles of the Sun could be catastrophic for Comet ATLAS G3.
Even for seasoned skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere, the timing of Comet ATLAS G3’s perihelion may pose challenges. A bright full “Cold Moon” will rise in the east on January 13, directly opposite the comet in the west, reducing contrast and making spotting the comet more difficult.
Comet ATLAS G3 is a long-period comet that originates from the Oort Cloud, a sphere of comets around the solar system. It is thought to orbit the Sun every 160,000 years, making it a rare sighting for observers.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/01/08/the-truth-about-the-new-year-comet-atlas-g3