Mark your calendars and grab your binoculars—this year’s most spectacular comet, Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), is zooming our way and could light up the night sky next week!

Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Chile, Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) plans to make a close pass by Earth, but don’t worry, it won’t be an impact event! Instead, excitement is brewing about whether the comet will withstand its harrowing encounter with the Sun, slated for January 13.

Comets, often described as cosmic dust and ice balls, manifest tails of gas and dust as they approach the Sun. This phenomenon creates breathtaking displays but also poses the risk of disintegration due to intense solar heat. Therefore, the big question looming over the scientific community is whether Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) can survive its solar encounter—and if it does, how brilliant will its appearance be?

According to EarthSky, C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) will skim within 8.3 million miles (13.5 million kilometers) from the Sun. Predictions suggest that as it sails through space, the comet could shine with a magnitude of -5.8, nearly outshining all stars visible in our night sky, save for our Sun, which dazzles at an impressive -26.74 magnitude.

It’s crucial not to confuse C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) with last year’s star performer, C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), which earned accolades for its unique anti-tail—a dexterous display characterized by the comet's position relative to Earth. As C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) takes center stage, expectations are high!

For those situated in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll have the prime opportunity to catch a glimpse. The optimal viewing will occur shortly after sunset, particularly near the Sun. Don’t be disheartened if it appears faint; as it ventures higher in the sky, its brilliance may wane. Visibility will greatly improve after January 16, after its perihelion, as it starts to distance itself from the Sun’s intense glare. However, viewers in the Northern Hemisphere might struggle to observe the comet due to its low position and stellar proximity during its peak brightness, as noted by Sky & Telescope.

Stay tuned for updates as this cosmic journey unfolds, and prepare for a potential spectacle that could leave astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike in awe. Will you catch this shining celestial wonder? Don’t miss out—look up to the skies next week!