The brightest comet of 2025 is set to amaze us with a spectacular event not seen in 135,000 years. Don't miss this extraordinary celestial occurrence! (photo)

Astronomers believe that comet C/2024 G3 will outshine Venus next week and is likely to become the brightest comet of 2025. It has already reached a brightness level comparable to that of well-known stars Antares and Spica, but this does not guarantee it will be easy to spot, reports IFLScience.

Currently, Venus is one of the brightest objects in the night sky, but next week, comet C/2024 G3 may surpass the brightness of this planet. Its peak brightness is expected on January 13, when it is predicted to be six times brighter than the brightest comet of 2024, C/2023 A3. Astronomers estimate that the comet's stellar magnitude will be minus 6. For comparison, the visible stellar magnitude of Venus is minus 4.9.

Last year, it was anticipated that comet C/2023 A3 would have a stellar magnitude of minus 8, but it ultimately reached a magnitude of minus 4. This indicates that predictions regarding comet brightness can be inaccurate. A similar situation could occur with comet C/2024 G3. Regardless, it will still be a spectacular event.

Although it will be extremely challenging to see comet C/2024 G3 on January 13, as it will be at its closest point to the Sun, a few days later, the comet, despite becoming dimmer, will be more visible in the sky. However, for that to happen, the comet must survive its close encounter with the Sun. Additionally, comet C/2024 G3 will only be visible in the northern hemisphere for a few days due to its flight trajectory.

Currently, comet C/2024 G3 is approaching the Sun and will be at its closest distance to our star on January 13. This is a near-solar comet, meaning it comes very close to the Sun. The comet was first discovered last year.

Because near-solar comets fly very close to the Sun, they are at risk of complete disintegration, as solar heat melts the icy object and causes it to evaporate.

Comet C/2024 G3 will be ten times closer to the Sun than Earth ever gets, and four times closer than Mercury. This comet has a highly elongated elliptical orbit and is believed to have made its last close approach to the Sun 135,000 years ago. Although this is a very long time, it still means that during its last close encounter with the Sun, the comet survived. This suggests it may do so again now.