On January 12, 2025, the comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) reached perihelion, coming within 13 million kilometers of the Sun. Despite significant material loss due to evaporation, the comet's core survived, although it began to disintegrate shortly after on January 19.
Discovered on April 5, 2024, by astronomers from the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China and the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), C/2024 G3 has drawn considerable attention. The comet's nucleus is estimated to measure between 100 meters and five kilometers, making it challenging to observe from hundreds of millions of kilometers away, particularly when obscured by a cloud of dust and gas.
During its close approach, the comet displayed six tails, as captured by the LASCO C3 camera of the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). Its brightness peaked at a magnitude of -3.5, rendering it visible (though not to the naked eye) during daylight.
Observers in the northern hemisphere faced visibility challenges due to the comet's low position on the horizon. In contrast, southern hemisphere observers enjoyed a better view, with the comet's tail extending over five degrees against a darker sky.
Recent observations indicated a sudden increase in brightness, signaling activity within the core. Astrophotographers noted faint fragments separating from the comet, confirming the ongoing fragmentation process. As the comet continues to disintegrate, its luminosity is expected to decline rapidly.
The C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) serves as a striking example of the beauty and fragility of comets, illustrating their vulnerability to the intense forces present within our solar system.