Beginning on roughly October 20, a comet will start to become visible across the world’s skies. The comet, C/2024 S1, could reach a peak magnitude of roughly -6, which is several times brighter than Venus, the most visible astronomical object from Earth besides the Moon and the Sun.
Viewers who wish to see the comet should aim for the night of predicted best visibility, October 28. They will also have to get up early, as the comet is expected to primarily be visible just before sunrise. To see the comet, driving outside of town and getting away from any light sources is highly recommended. In addition to this, using your phone while you’re out in a field won’t allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for the best view of the comet. Make sure you’re off of your phone for 5-10 minutes before trying to view. Comet behavior is unfortunately naturally extremely unpredictable. The comet could be significantly less bright than initially forecast, although it will regardless likely be visible to the naked eye. In addition to this, cloudy weather could preclude Laramites from being able to see the event. Make sure that the skies are clear before committing to any plans to see the comet. Prospective viewers may also want to download a stargazing app on their phone in order to determine the location of the comet, as often times astronomical objects are extremely difficult for amateur viewers to locate in the night sky.
The comet itself, C/2024 S1, is a sungrazing comet, meaning it comes extremely close to the sun at its perihelion (lowest point in its orbit). Many such comets, being cold bodies of rock and ice, completely evaporate upon their close approach to the sun, however larger ones can survive the close approach. Sungrazing comets can be brighter than their contemporaries that don’t get as close to the sun, due to an increased amount of material evaporating from the comet as a result of their close pass. C/2024 S1 is expected to survive its journey around the sun, but it isn’t guaranteed.
As excitement builds for the arrival of comet C/2024 S1, skywatchers should prepare for both potential spectacle and possible disappointment. For the best chance to catch this rare celestial event, aim for the night of October 28, get far from city lights, and be prepared for the possibility of a less dramatic showing. Regardless of the outcome, the appearance of a sungrazing comet remains an exciting and rare opportunity to witness the wonders of the cosmos.
