Comet C/2023 A3, more commonly known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is expected to become one of the brightest comets in recent years. This celestial event is expected to cast light on the skies later in October 2024.
It was discovered by the Tsuchinian Observatory in China and the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). The comet has since drawn attention due to its potential to become highly visible to the naked eye.
When and where to watch Comet C/2023 A3
On 9-10 October, Comet C/2023 A3 will be just 3° north of the Sun. However, this is simply too close, rendering it unobservable. Some may see the comet on October 11, but it is unlikely, as it will be hardly visible, blanketed in darkness. Notably, its subsequent trajectory away from the sun quickens exponentially.
The closest the comet will approach the Earth is at 43.9 million kilometers, on October 12. The following day, it will be 4° above the western horizon at 20:00 BST (19:00 UT). On October 14, it will be upped to 6° above the western horizon, and 9° up on 15 October, same time on both days.
Comet C/2023 A3 is expected to be visible in the northern hemisphere in the east between September 27 and October 2, just before dawn. In the west, as the month progresses, it may be seen just after dusk, between October 12 and 31.
However, weather conditions and light pollution are important to keep in mind to determine the use of binoculars or a small telescope. For optimal viewing, astronomers recommend finding a dark location, further away from city lights.
The significance of Comet C/2023 A3
Comet C/2023 A3 was first seen at China's Purple Mountain Observatory on January 9, 2023. On February 22 that year, the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) observed the same.
The object has since spurred notable speculation as to whether or not it would burn bright enough to be visible to the naked eye. Some scientists are still not on par when it comes to the same, with some claiming it might just fizzle out.
While the discovery of comets may be a common occurrence nowadays, it is rare to find one that comes as close to both the Sun and the Earth as Comet A3’s orbit. And, as SpaceWeather.com reported, the comet is alive and well. This means that the comet will likely be visible to the naked eye, given how bright it is, without the need for any equipment at all.
Tsuchinshan-ATLAS' orbit stretches far out into space, and as it comes relatively closer to our planet, astronomers will get to witness its approach to the Sun, and its expected peak in brightness. As the comet traverses through the inner solar system, its ice will vaporize, thereby forming a mesmerizing glowing tail, visible in the dark skies.
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