Comet C/2024 G3 shines over Chilean observatory

A stunning photo shows comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) lighting up the sunset sky over Chile's Very Large Telescope. The image was captured on January 21, 2025, and shared by the European Southern Observatory on March 17. Discovered in April 2024, C/2024 G3 became the brightest comet in 18 years, visible to the naked eye throughout January 2025. It was also seen during the day, a rare occurrence for comets. The comet's icy composition creates a tail as it approaches the sun. The photo captures this tail blowing away from the sun, showcasing the comet's beauty in the clear skies of the Atacama Desert.