Comet Atlas will pass particularly close to Earth in October

Astronomy enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to observe the phenomenon with the naked eye on the western horizon during the evening hours, Astronomy.com reported

A unique opportunity to see a comet

The comet was discovered on 9 January 2023 by the Zijinshan Observatory in China. Since then, it has been moving towards the Sun for the first time, making its behaviour difficult to predict. The comet is expected to pass Earth at a distance of 70 million kilometres on 13 October 2024. According to Uwe Pilz of the Association of Stargazers (VdS), it will reach its maximum brightness between 7 and 12 October. Starting on 14 October, even beginners will be able to find it after dusk.

Why the comet will become visible

Comets are cosmic bodies less than 50 kilometres in diameter, consisting mostly of frozen gases and dust. As they approach the Sun, they heat up and the frozen gases sublimate, releasing dust particles and rocks. When exposed to the solar wind, these particles form a characteristic tail. Comet Atlas, according to the scientific journal Scinexx, releases a particularly large amount of dust and reflects a lot of light as it approaches the Sun, making its tail particularly bright.

How to observe Comet Atlas

Thanks to its intense dust tail, the comet can be one of the brightest in the sky, perhaps even brighter than Venus, the brightest planet. Exact brightness data is not yet available, but astronomers recommend looking towards the western horizon after sunset between 7 and 14 October. For the best viewing, find a spot with minimal light pollution and an open view of the sky. Binoculars or a telescope can help you see details of the comet.

In addition, another astronomical phenomenon awaits us in mid-October: the next super moon will rise on 17 October 2024. In September, the Moon has already given us an unforgettable spectacle, and now a new spectacular event awaits us.