Comet C/2024 S1 to Dazzle Skywatchers Just in Time for Halloween with October 24 Appearance

A recently discovered comet, C/2024 S1, is set to make a spectacular appearance just in time for Halloween. Astronomers have confirmed that the comet will pass by Earth on October 24, 2024, making it visible in the eastern sky just before sunrise.

Planetary astronomer James Wray from the Georgia Institute of Technology recommends viewers look low in the eastern sky during this time. After its closest approach, the comet is expected to swing around the sun and reappear in the western night sky around Halloween, adding a cosmic treat to the holiday festivities.

Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii, Comet C/2024 S1 has gained attention for its remarkable stability as it nears the sun. According to NASA’s Gordon Johnston, there’s potential for the comet to become bright enough to be seen during daylight hours.

However, it is likely that observers will need binoculars or a telescope to view the comet at night since its path does not bring it particularly close to Earth. For those in the Washington, D.C. area, the comet may become visible above the horizon as early as October 21, just before morning twilight.

Johnston has provided insights into the best viewing conditions, indicating that the comet will be brightest between 7:12 a.m. and 8:06 a.m. during its closest approach. It is expected to be visible during daylight for about one to two hours, depending on whether it remains intact as it approaches the sun.

After October 24, observers can look forward to seeing the comet with binoculars or telescopes from November 2 to December 19, as it travels away from the sun.

While certain regions, including Africa, Europe, and South America, are considered optimal for viewing the comet, conditions on the U.S. East Coast may present some challenges.

The comet will be located on the sun’s lower left side after sunrise, which means observers will have to look through more air, increasing the risk of interference from scattered sunlight and clouds. Johnston has also cautioned against using binoculars or telescopes to view the comet near the sun during daylight due to safety concerns.

Interestingly, Comet C/2024 S1 is believed to be a fragment of the “Great Comet of 1106,” which broke apart after passing close to the sun 918 years ago. The original comet was known for its brightness, capable of casting shadows at night like a full moon.

This historical connection adds an intriguing layer to the excitement surrounding Comet C/2024 S1, making its appearance a noteworthy celestial event for Halloween 2024.