Comet Tracker Tonight: When And Where To Easily See It On Friday

This is Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS during the early morning light at Bryce Canyon, Utah, on September 27, 2024.

Can you see the comet tonight? Absolutely! Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which is also known as C/2023 A3 or Comet A3, can be spotted in the western sky after the sun goes down in the Northern Hemisphere. However, it’s important to know the right time to check, its exact location, and how to locate it.

Although it might have already passed its peak brightness, tonight — Friday, Oct. 18 — it will rise higher into a darker sky, making it stand out and easier to see for a longer period compared to earlier in the week.

The comet is currently speeding away from both the sun and Earth, and today it is over 60 million miles away. Its higher position in the sky should make it more visible, as there are no longer any mountains, trees, or buildings obstructing the view. If you manage to spot it, here are some tips for capturing it in photos.

Here’s the specific time and location to watch for the comet without any equipment on Friday, October 18.

Please note that the times and viewing guidelines provided are intended for watchers situated in mid-latitude areas of the Northern Hemisphere. To get precise sunset times for your location and the comet’s setting schedule, be sure to consult Stellarium Web for accurate information tailored to your specific area.

Where to catch a glimpse of comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also known as C/2023 A3 or Comet A3, after sunset on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Finding Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS: Oct. 18 Guide

Location: to the west, 40 degrees away from the sun in the constellation Serpens.

Timing: 45 minutes after the sun goes down in your location.

The comet is located 62.6 million miles (or 100.8 million kilometers) away from the sun.

The comet is located 52 million miles away from our planet, which is equivalent to about 83.7 million kilometers.

Tonight, you can spot the comet soaring above the western horizon approximately 45 minutes after the sun goes down. It will remain visible for roughly two hours and 25 minutes before disappearing. This means it will be in view for about 15 minutes longer than it was on Thursday.

If you gaze to the west, you’ll spot the brilliant planet Venus shining in the southwestern sky and the bright, flickering reddish star Arcturus located to the west-northwest. This star is positioned at the base of the Y-shaped constellation Boötes, making it easy to identify. The comet will be situated about midway between these two points, forming a triangular shape — or resembling a coat hanger, with comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS as the hook.

As you search for the comet, a waning gibbous moon that's 96.4% lit will be rising. Take a moment to turn around and enjoy the view of it ascending in the eastern sky, glowing in warm orange tones. It's a stunning spectacle!

While you can see both the comet and the nearly full moon without any assistance, using a pair of binoculars will enhance your viewing experience significantly.

Discover the best times and locations to catch a glimpse of the brilliant Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS from October 11 to October 21. During this period, it will ascend higher in the sky and will be increasingly visible as the night skies grow darker.

When Will The Comet Be Gone?

How long will Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS be visible? We've had a fortunate opportunity to see Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. It reached its closest point to the sun on September 27 and is currently visible in the evening sky in the Northern Hemisphere shortly after sunset, shining brightly. However, this won't continue for much longer. If the skies are clear, make sure to gaze westward after sunset. Don't miss your chance!

It's been easily seen without any special equipment up until now, but around Saturday, October 19, or Sunday, October 20, it will start to dim quickly. So, don't count on seeing it for long after that this month unless you have binoculars or a small telescope.

As reported by Sky & Telescope, you won't be able to spot it without assistance on Halloween — October 31. However, it should still be observable with binoculars until the beginning of November.

Be sure to check my feed every day for the next week, as I will be sharing a daily "comet tracker" that includes star maps and advice on how to spot the comet.

Wishing you bright horizons and open eyes.