Astroblog: Another comet C/2024 G3 Atlas update (25 January 2025)

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Another comet C/2024 G3 Atlas update (25 January 2025)

Chart showing location of the comet on the 25th of January, it is visible in binoculars from 60 minutes after sunset and (just) with the unaided eye by 90 minutes, you may need averted vision to see it. In binoculars, sweep over from Venus and Saturn just past bright Fomalhaut. The comet will be just under a distinct “W” shaped asterism for the next few nights, near the trail of stars from Grus. Click to embiggen.

Black and white printable spotters map to help with finding the comet. Venus and Saturn are good signposts to the location of the comet. The magnitudes listed are the current ones from the MPC. It is brighter than indicated, but I don't have the most recent magnitutes. Click to embiggen and print.

Despite the nucleus of Comet C/2024 G3 having disintergrated, it is still putting a nice display and should be visible from a few more days to the unaided eye and much longer in binoculars. Although fading, it is still visible (just) to the unaided eye from around 90 minutes after sunset, and readily visible in binoculars. There is around 6 degrees of tail visible, and the comet is pale but marvelous in binoculars. You will need a clear, level horizon for good views (and an absence of clouds).

For photography, you need to mount your camera or phone on a tripod os other stable surface. You will need high ISO settings, (1600, 3200, or 6400) and long exposures (I use between 2 seconds-30 seconds as the comet gets lower in the twilight murk). I also have 2 seconds shutter delay to stop camera/phone vibration ruining the shot.

So, if you have a chance, head out and look low to the south west, using Venus as your guide.

Comet C/2025 G3 at 10:30 pm AEDST Wednesday 22 January, 30 second exposure at ISO 3200 with my Samsung S24 (23 mm F1.7). Venus and Saturn are to the far right.

Labels: binocular, C/2024 G3, comet, unaided eye