G3 (ATLAS) should be visible from the southern hemisphere, and possibly also the northern hemisphere, over the next few days

G3 is set to dazzle Southern Hemisphere skywatchers in mid-January. Here’s everything you need to know about the 'New Year comet'.

Comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024) is about to reach its closest point to the Sun in mid-January, making it the brightest comet of the year that won't be visible again for another 160,000 years. Here's when and how to spot it from Earth.

One of the brightest comets in 20 years, Comet 2024 G3 (ATLAS) returns for a close encounter with the sun — but will we be able to see it?

The object is designated Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), as it was first reported by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Chile. Don’t let the name of the telescope worry you—the comet will pass by Earth, not impact it—but that’s only if the comet manages to survive a near pass of the Sun on January 13.

In the wake of comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) in October, comet G3 is due to reach perihelion — its closest to the sun — on Jan. 13, 2025. That day, this icy visitor to the inner solar system will get to within just 8.3 million miles (13.5 million kilometers) from the sun.

While both the Northern and Southern hemisphere will have a chance of viewing, the Southern will have an easier time spotting it. According to the Sky and Telescope Organization, skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere might have the ability to spot the comet 'extremely low in the southwestern sky' from about January 15 to 18.

Here’s something that you’ll kick yourself if you miss – a comet that only grazes the Earth every 160,000 years will be visible next week. Comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024) was first spotted in April 400 million miles away when it was 158,