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Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 6:31 AM
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The Once-in-80,000-Year Arrival of Atlas Comet Light’s Up Fallon’s Night Sky

Atlas Comet, formerly C/2019 Y4, as seen from Fallon and caught on camera by local resident, Megan Yost.

Residents of Fallon were treated to an amazing celestial show last night as the Atlas Comet passed through the night sky. Visible in the west, the comet was detectable to the naked eye. Local stargazer Megan Yost, with her keen eye and new iPhone in hand, captured a photograph of the event. This unfiltered, unenhanced photo perfectly caught the comet's bright tail heading downward toward the horizon through the starry Nevada sky. 

First discovered in December 2019, the Atlas Comet, formally known as C/2019 Y4, was and is part of the same cometary family as the famous Great Comet of 1844. With a nucleus approximately one mile wide, the comet's bright tail is formed through dust and gas, with some elements billions of years old, purportedly dating back to Earth's solar system formation. This rare cosmic visitor travels by only once every 6,000 years.

The arrival of the Atlas Comet, known for its occasional bright appearances, is a thrilling event for astronomy buffs. Luckily, the clear, dark skies created perfect viewing conditions for Fallon residents. Souba's photo is now part of local history – a literal snapshot of the one-in-a-lifetime Atlas light show that appeared for those lucky enough to look up at just the right moment. 

 

 

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Comment author: Estrella PichardoComment text: I am so sorry for the familys loss. We loved violet in the 3 year's we were stationed in Fallon. We have her whole family in our prayers. She will be missed.Comment publication date: 12/27/24, 7:33 PMComment source: Obituary - Violet Joyce Casey-MillerComment author: Dale H.Comment text: My condolences to the familyComment publication date: 12/27/24, 7:17 PMComment source: Donna Jean BrownComment author: Shelly, Michael & Timmy SyriacComment text: To all of Violet's family and friends I send my heart felt condolences. It is life changing to not be able to pick up the phone just to say, "hello or I love you". However, knowing Violet's deep love and faith in Jesus; I can't only smile through the tears knowing she is in the presence of Jesus. How awesome is that? We all know her faithful belief and service... she is now receiving her eternal reward. Hallelujah! My prayers right now are for everyone who loved Violet. I pray the blood of Jesus over you, I pray for Jesus to hold you in his healing embrace, and I pray for the Holy spirit to grant you peace while you grieve. Violet always had a smile. Cousin, you will be missed...Comment publication date: 12/27/24, 5:43 PMComment source: Obituary - Violet Joyce Casey-MillerComment author: Hampton YoungComment text: I am a long ago friend of Tom Hutchings since our university days. I counted him, as well as his brother, John, as among my finest friends, although I have not seen either of them for many years. Both were a force. Coincidently I am moving from Oregon to Fallon soon, and I had counted on getting together with he and Mary. My deepest sympathies to her. Tom is missed.Comment publication date: 12/22/24, 6:46 PMComment source: Thomas ("Hutch" "Tucker Ryan") Lloyd Hutchings
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