Comet 2024 G3 (ATLAS) Setting Over a Chilean Hill
This incredible time-lapse captures Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) as it appears to set over a hill in the Araucanía Region of central Chile. While the comet itself is not dramatically changing position relative to the background stars, the rotation of our own planet creates this illusion of it descending below the horizon.
In January 2025, Comet ATLAS graced the evening skies of Earth's Southern Hemisphere. It was so remarkably bright and awe-inspiring that it was even considered a potential "Great Comet" for the year. Unfortunately, Comet G3 ATLAS is no longer intact. Its nucleus fragmented during a close passage to the Sun in December 2024. Despite this, some of the scattered debris – remnants of rock and ice – continue to orbit the Sun, largely following the path the original nucleus would have taken.
