Comet ATLAS G3 in the sunset’s glow
Comet ATLAS G3 has successfully made its trip around the sun and is now visible just after sunset until about January 20 for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Southern Hemisphere observers will have the best views. For those of us in the north, things are a little more difficult. During this time the comet will be placed very close to the sun; within 5 degrees of the sun from our point of view (that’s about three fingers width held at arm’s length). ATLAS will stay relatively close to the sun (from our point of view) for a couple days on either side of perihelion. See Earth Sky for details on the orbital approach to the sun.
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| Steven Bellavia in Smithfield, Virginia, caught Comet ATLAS G3 on January 15, 2025. |
Although ATLAS is very bright it will be sinking to the south as it exits the sun’s vicinity and so for those of us at 40 degrees north latitude ATLAS will be difficult to see. But, if ATLAS develops a long tail, we might be able to see just the tail after sunset even though the head of the comet may be below the horizon. Back in 2007 Comet McNaught provided this very view.
Since I'm still on a cruise ship in Norway I doubt I'll be able to capture this comet.
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