Rare Comet G3 ATLAS Visible in Australia After 160,000 Years

Rahul Somvanshi

This fabulous view of the night sky was attained by the Comet G3 ATLAS above New Zealand and Australia this week

Photo Source: Pixabay (Pexels)

It's been 160,000 years since such a member of the Comet series last crossed Earth. 

Photo Source: Alex Andrews (Pexels)

The remarkable images of the comet were captured by Astronaut Don Pettit - "totally amazing."

Photo Source: NASA Johnson (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Like an ice cube melting in the sun, the comet gleams brilliantly in the Sun's proximity.

Photo Source: Stockcake (CC0 1.0)

According to Dr. Rebecca Allen, one should look in the sun's vicinity to see Venus and the comet. 

Photo Source: Rawpixel (CC0 1.0)

Do not miss the opportunity to view Comet G3 ATLAS, as it has begun fading from our sight and will remain visible until January 23.

Photo Source: James St. John (CC BY 2.0)

In this recent flyby, the comet passed the Sun at a distance of 13.5 million kilometers before continuing through the solar system.

Photo Source: NASA's Marshall  (CC BY-NC 2.0)

It will stay only a short time in the system before it continues on a major outward orbit. It will not return for another 600,000 to 800,000 years.

Photo Source: Martin Heigan (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)