A recently discovered comet, C/2024 S1, is expected to brighten the skies just in time for Halloween, and it might even be visible during daylight, according to the New York Post.
First identified at the end of September, the comet will make its closest approach to Earth on October 24. Planetary astronomer James Wray from the Georgia Institute of Technology advises skywatchers to look low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
After passing the sun, the comet may reappear in the western night sky around Halloween. According to Nasa, C/2024 S1, also known as the “Halloween Comet,” has drawn significant attention for staying intact as it nears the sun. Nasa’s Gordon Johnston mentioned it could become bright enough to be seen during the day, though it may only be visible at night with binoculars or telescopes.
The comet will be most visible around Washington, DC, as early as October 21, just before morning twilight. Johnston expects it will be bright enough to see in daylight for about one to two hours during its closest approach, between 7.12 am and 8.06 am (local time).
While Africa, Europe, and South America are in the best spots for viewing, East Coast observers in the US may catch a glimpse on the sun’s lower left side after sunrise. However, scattered sunlight and clouds might interfere.
C/2024 S1 is thought to be a remnant of the Great Comet of 1106, which broke apart after passing the sun over 900 years ago. That comet was so bright it cast shadows at night, much like the full moon.
There’s still uncertainty about the comet’s future, as recent observations show signs of fragmentation. Dr Qicheng Zhang from Lowell Observatory said the comet’s display will only be worth watching if its nucleus survives its encounter with the sun.
The comet’s closest point to the sun, or perihelion, will occur on October 28. If it survives, C/2024 S1 could reach a brightness of magnitude -8.3, surpassing Venus and making it visible during daylight. But if it breaks apart, it may not be visible in November.
As the event nears, astronomers will be closely watching the comet to see if any solid fragments are large enough to survive.
C/2024 S1: ‘Halloween Comet’ set to light up sky in October—But will it survive sun?
Representative image (Picture credit: PTI)