Living aboard the International Space Station comes with perks most of us can only dream of—like getting a front-row seat to astonishing celestial spectacles. That’s precisely what NASA astronaut Don Pettit experienced when he captured an awe-inspiring photograph of Comet ATLAS (C/2024 G3) from orbit, about 400 kilometers above Earth.
The comet, officially designated C/2024 G3, recently made its closest approach to the sun. Some astronomers are already calling it the brightest comet of the year, thanks to its remarkable glow rivaling that of Venus. Pettit shared his stunning view with the world, posting the image on X (formerly known as Twitter) with the caption: “It’s totally amazing to see a comet from orbit.”
Currently, Comet ATLAS can be found in the Sagittarius constellation. Although Pettit’s image may make it look dangerously close, the comet is actually about 140 million kilometers from Earth. What makes this cosmic traveler so unique is its ability to shine brightly even as it nears the sun, making it a rare sight that skywatchers won’t want to miss.
It is totally amazing to see a comet from orbit. Atlas C2024-G3 is paying us a visit. pic.twitter.com/6Npqa2Wksf
— Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) January 11, 2025
Why Comets Like ATLAS Are Cosmic Time Machines
Comets, often referred to as ancient messengers of the solar system, formed around 4.6 billion years ago during the earliest stages of planetary formation. These icy bodies consist of frozen gases, dust, and rocky material. When they venture too close to the sun, the intense heat causes the ice to skip the liquid phase and instantly transform into gas, creating long, luminous tails that can stretch millions of kilometers across the sky.
Historically feared as omens of disaster, comets are now treasured by scientists for the clues they provide about the formation of planets and even life itself. Some researchers believe comets may have delivered water and organic compounds to early Earth, potentially jumpstarting the development of life.
A Rare Visitor from the Distant Oort Cloud
Comet ATLAS is believed to have originated in the Oort Cloud, a vast, spherical region of icy bodies located about 50 times farther from the sun than Neptune. Occasionally, the gravitational pull of nearby stars dislodges some of these icy objects, sending them hurtling toward the inner solar system. ATLAS, first spotted in April 2024, is one such visitor. If it survives its close brush with the sun, it won’t return for another 160,000 years.
Skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere have the best chance of seeing the comet near the western horizon shortly after sunset. Observations are expected to be possible from mid-January until the end of the month. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, spotting it will be much trickier, though binoculars or telescopes may offer some assistance.
As Comet ATLAS moves away from the sun’s glare, astronomers believe it could remain bright enough to be seen with the naked eye over the next few days. Just remember: never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection.
“There’s hope that Comet ATLAS will endure its close approach to the sun and stay visible for a bit longer,” NASA said in a statement.
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