Rare Sun-Skirting Comet Visible in Southern Hemisphere Skies This Week

Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), which recently survived a close pass by the Sun, is expected to be visible after sunset until January 23.

Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), a rare celestial visitor, will be visible in the western sky for viewers in the Southern Hemisphere over the next week.
The comet recently passed within 14 million kilometers of the Sun, surviving intense heat and gravitational forces to emerge intact.
Observers are encouraged to view the comet soon, as it will gradually fade and become harder to spot as it moves further from Earth.
The best viewing conditions require a low, unobstructed horizon to the west-southwest shortly after sunset, with binoculars or cameras aiding visibility.
This comet, which last passed near the Sun around 100,000 years ago, features a brilliant tail formed by gas and dust released as it approaches the Sun.