Do the periods of comets decrease because they lose mass every time they get near the Sun? Robert BaileyConover, Wisconsin Great question! Assuming you're referring specifically to the orbital period - in other words,

Comet ATLAS hit a maximum magnitude of -3.4 during its close encounter with the sun, just shy of the brightness of Venus in the night sky.

People in the Southern Hemisphere can experience the best viewing opportunities shortly after sunset. But, in the Northern Hemisphere viewing may be more difficult.

January 13, 2025, as Comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024) reaches its peak brightness. This once-in-a-lifetime spectacle marks the comet's closest approach to the Sun, bringing it within 8.7 million miles of the Sun at its perihelion.

Comet G3 ATLAS is set to shine at its brightest this week, potentially outshining Venus and Jupiter. G3 ATLASs orbit is so big that it takes roughly 160,000 year to go around the Sun. As it approaches perihelion on January 13,

A rare celestial event will take place tonight as Comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024) reaches its peak brightness tonight. The comet was discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Chile, on April 5, 2024.

When comet G3 reached its closest point to the sun, it flared up to an impressive magnitude of -3.4 — significantly brighter than Jupiter, which shines at a maximum magnitude of -2.8. This makes it one of the brightest comets witnessed in almost two decades.

Comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024) is expected to reach its maximum brightness tomorrow. The celestial phenomenon may even outshine the planets Venus and Jupiter. The comet was first spotted by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey in Chile on April 5, 2024. It was at magnitude +19 then and hard to spot due to its faintness.

NASA and famed astronaut Buzz Aldrin say stargazers have the best chance of catching a glimpse of Saturn and Venus in alignment starting Saturday. The planets have been shuffling toward each other in the sky and will appear closest this weekend, appearing only inches apart to the human eye.

Skies over South Carolina kick off 2025 with a planet parade, ancient comet and the muse of "Beyond Antares," a 23rd-century love song from "Star Trek" fame.

On Tuesday evening, six planets will line up in the night's sky - Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus. Best viewed in skies free of cloud, the planets should be easily spotted amongst the stars.

Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are visible to the naked eye this month and for part of February. Uranus and Neptune can be spotted with binoculars and telescopes.