Rare comet may outshine Venus as it approaches the Sun

On January 13, 2025, Comet C/2024 G3 reached its perihelion, marking it as the closest point to the Sun in its orbit. This event has captured the attention of astronomers and the public alike, as it presents a rare opportunity to see a comet that may only be visible once in 160,000 years. NASA has indicated that the brightness of the comet could rival that of Venus, making it an intriguing object for stargazers and scientists. Observations suggest that the comet may be best visible from the southern hemisphere, as local conditions and the comet’s behavior will play a crucial role in its visibility. Astronomist Dr. Shyam Balaji elaborated on the unpredictability of comet visibility, emphasizing that while the comet may appear bright, past trends show that many comets end up being fainter than initially predicted. Despite the uncertainty, the comet’s approach offers a unique moment for those near the eastern horizon to observe it before sunrise and the western horizon after sunset in the days following perihelion. This sighting opportunity is especially significant given the historical context of the comet, which was discovered last year by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System. As observers prepare for potential sightings, they are advised to find locations away from light pollution to enhance their viewing experience and to use binoculars or small telescopes for a better view. In addition, NASA astronaut Don Pettit provided a firsthand glimpse of the comet from the International Space Station, expressing amazement at the sighting. He contributed to the excitement surrounding Comet C/2024 G3, highlighting its fascinating characteristics and the ongoing monitoring of its trajectory by astronomers. The implications of such a rare celestial event extend beyond just amateur observations, impacting ongoing studies in astroparticle physics and cosmology. The comet’s sun-skimming trajectory, poised to pass about 8.3 million miles from the Sun, raises questions about its composition and behavioral patterns, offering an excellent opportunity for scientific inquiry.