The comet will become the brightest comet in the sky in decades and may soon be visible to the naked eye.
The comet known as the Atlas – named after the astronomical study that discovered it on December 28 – brightens as it approaches the Sun.
Some astronomers believe the comet, officially called C / 2019 Y4, could put on a big show, perhaps equaling Venus in brightness.
Astronomers have estimated that Comet 2019 Y4 (ATLAS) could pass within 25 million miles (40 million km) of the Sun on May 31, 2020. It may brighten significantly along the way https://t.co/iSYskbir2h pic.twitter. com / FzWJb7IRPv
– Massimo (@ Rainmaker1973) March 16, 2020
The early sightings caused a lot of excitement, and Atlas may become the most spectacular comet in recent years.
'It is possible to see the object in daylight (May 31) with a properly shielded telescope,' writes Bob King for Sky and Telescope.
Astronomer Alessandro Marchini, director of the Astronomical Observatory at the University of Siena, captured the comet:
NASA astronomer Eddie Irizarri writes for EarthSky that Comet Atlas could become visible to the naked eye by May 1.
Irizarri also provides useful graphs for trying to spot the comet now and in the coming weeks.
We'll be posting updates as we get closer to the Atlas. In the meantime, be sure to keep your chin up and watch the sky.
Sources: Photo: NASA
