Halloween Comet C/2024 S1 (ATLAS) Set to Light Up October Skies – How To Watch In the UK?

Stargazers across the UK have something to look forward to this week as the newly discovered comet could soon be visible even during daylight hours. Dubbed the “Halloween Comet,” this celestial body, officially known as C/2024 S1 (ATLAS), is drawing attention as it approaches the Sun in late October.

Here’s everything you need to know about this potentially spectacular event.

When Was the Halloween Comet Discovered?

The Halloween Comet was discovered in late September by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey in Hawaii. It is part of a class of comets known as Kreutz sungrazers, which pass very close to the Sun.

This proximity can cause them to brighten significantly, but it also puts them at risk of breaking apart due to the Sun’s intense heat. C/2024 S1 is expected to come within 190,000 miles of the Sun’s surface on 28 October, adding to the uncertainty about whether the comet will remain intact and visible from Earth.

Best Times to View the Halloween Comet C/2024 S1 (ATLAS)

The Halloween comet is projected to be visible starting from 23 October, especially for observers in the Southern Hemisphere. It is expected to get brighter each day as it approaches its closest point to the Sun, known as its perihelion, on 28 October.

If the comet survives this close pass, it could become one of the brightest seen in over a decade, potentially outshining Venus and being visible during the day. For those in the UK, the best opportunity to catch a glimpse will be between 29 October and early November, particularly just after sunset. If all goes well, the Halloween comet should remain visible until early December.

How to Watch It?

At its current brightness, C/2024 S1 can only be spotted using binoculars with at least an 80mm aperture or a small telescope. However, it’s expected to get brighter in the coming days and should become visible to the naked eye for about one to two hours in the early morning.

Will It Survive?

Astronomers are keeping a close watch on the Halloween Comet, but its fate is uncertain. The comet has already shown signs of fragmentation, which could mean it disintegrates entirely before it becomes visible.

Dr. Qicheng Zhang, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory, calls this an “all or nothing” event, meaning the comet will either dazzle or disappear.

If it breaks apart, the best viewing window could end as soon as 28 October. But if it holds together, sky watchers in Europe, Africa, South America, and the eastern United States could witness a stunning celestial display through mid-November.

Another Comet to Watch

If the Halloween Comet doesn’t perform as hoped, there’s still another option for skywatchers. Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has been visible throughout October and will remain so into early November. While not bright enough to see during the day, this comet can be spotted at night with a telescope.