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

Comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024) is expected to whiz past the Sun in mid-January, giving skywatchers an extremely rare opportunity to spot the space spectacle from Earth

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

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.

Whether you're an experienced astronomer or simply enjoy gazing at the night sky, this January offers a rare opportunity to witness a dazzling array of planets.