Comet C/2024 S1 (ATLAS): What to Expect Comet C/2024 S1 (ATLAS) is an exciting new discovery in the sky. Found on September 27, 2024, by the ATLAS system, this comet belongs to a special group called Kreutz sungrazers. These comets come incredibly… The post New Brilliant Comet On The Way? Comet C/2024 S1 appeared first on TV Delmarva .
Comet C/2024 S1 (ATLAS): What to Expect
Comet C/2024 S1 (ATLAS) is an exciting new discovery in the sky. Found on September 27, 2024, by the ATLAS system, this comet belongs to a special group called Kreutz sungrazers. These comets come incredibly close to the Sun, sometimes within 1.5 million kilometers (900,000 miles)—about the size of the Sun itself.
While sungrazers have given us spectacular shows in the past, like the Great Comet of 1882 and Ikeya-Seki in 1965, C/2024 S1’s fate remains uncertain. Though originally anticipated to brighten as it nears the Sun, recent data suggest it might be disintegrating.
Why Is This Comet Special?
Kreutz sungrazers are particularly intriguing because their close encounters with the Sun make them unpredictable. Sometimes, they light up the sky as they heat up, but other times they disintegrate before they get the chance. C/2024 S1 is set to reach its closest point (perihelion) to the Sun on October 28, 2024. If it survives, there’s potential for it to become bright, possibly visible near sunrise. However, the latest observations show it’s starting to fade, suggesting it may break apart.
What Does This Mean for Observers?
If the comet brightens, it will only be for a short time around October 28, but it might be visible near sunrise in the Southern Hemisphere. On October 30 and 31, a thin waning crescent Moon will be in the sky, close to where the comet is expected to appear. While there’s still a chance for a brief show, the disintegration could mean we see very little.
Warning: Never look directly at the Sun, especially with binoculars or telescopes, as it can cause severe and permanent eye damage.
Monitoring Efforts
The Comet Chasers project, involving schoolchildren and research telescopes, has been helping to observe the comet. Scientists are gathering more data to confirm whether C/2024 S1 will survive or disintegrate. Although the early signs are discouraging, comets can change rapidly, and astronomers are keeping a close watch.
Stay tuned as we learn more in the days leading up to its closest approach!
The post New Brilliant Comet On The Way? Comet C/2024 S1 appeared first on TV Delmarva .
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