Amateur and professional astronomers alike have been delighted by the spectacular display provided by Comet 2024 G3 (ATLAS) during mid and late January. After it made its closest pass to the sun (perihelion) on Jan. 13, the comet became very bright, and shortly thereafter developed a significant and strongly structured tail.
Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on April 5, in images obtained with a 19.7-inch (0.5-meter) reflector telescope located in Rio Hurtado, Chile, the comet met or exceeded expectations to become the brightest comet in 18 years. For several days it could be glimpsed from most Northern Hemisphere locations that were blessed with clear, transparent skies and clear, unobstructed horizons.
