Saturday Comet Tracker: When And Where To See The Bright Comet Tonight
A man is positioned outside his tent, aiming a flashlight straight at the comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (C/2023 ... [+] A3).
When will Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS be seen in the night sky tonight? After the easily observable Comet NEOWISE in 2020, we have another bright comet to enjoy. Known as C/2023 A3 as well as Comet A3, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has moved out of the sun’s brightness and is now becoming visible in the evening sky just after the sun goes down.
Tonight, Saturday, October 12, is the perfect opportunity to spot it from the northern part of the globe. It came closest to the sun on September 27 and is now at its nearest point to Earth, about 44 million miles (71 million kilometers) away.
Interestingly, comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS might be the first of two notable comets to appear this month.
It may not be the easiest sight to catch, at least for the time being. Currently, it sits low on the horizon, but if you have a good view of the west and some patience, you can spot it just after the sun goes down. In the coming nights, it will shine more brightly and move higher in the night sky, which means it will be framed against a darker backdrop and will stay visible for a longer period.
Here's when and where you should gaze to catch a glimpse of the comet with just your eyes on Saturday, October 12.
Here's where to catch a glimpse of comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, known as C/2023 A3 or Comet A3, right after sunset on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
Where To Spot Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS: Oct. 12
Location: to the west, at an angle of 16.4 degrees from the sun in the constellation Virgo.
Duration: 45 minutes post-sunset in your location
The comet is located 52 million miles (or 84 million kilometers) away from the sun.
The comet is located 44 million miles (or 71 million kilometers) away from our planet.
Tonight, you’ll be able to see the comet just above the western horizon about 45 minutes after the sun goes down. The moon will be in its waxing gibbous phase, shining brightly at 73% illumination, but that shouldn’t overshadow the comet. Your main task will be spotting the comet in the glowing twilight near the horizon. If your view is unobstructed, look for the bright planet Venus and the shining star Arcturus; the comet will be positioned just below the midpoint between the two.
This weekend is likely one of the prime opportunities to catch a glimpse of it. In comparison to Friday, the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet will be positioned a bit higher in the sky, making it simpler to spot, and will stay visible until later in the twilight, as noted by Sky & Telescope. That said, the time you have to see it will be brief.
While you can spot the comet without any assistance, using binoculars will enhance your viewing experience significantly.
When and where to catch a glimpse of the dazzling Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS from October 11 to October 21 as it ascends... [+] higher into the heavens and becomes easier to spot against the backdrop of darker night skies.
When To Spot Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS
The Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet is expected to be visible for about ten nights. The evenings of Monday, October 14, and Tuesday, October 15, are probably the ideal times for viewing it. However, it’s a good idea to start watching for it each night leading up to those dates, as cloud cover could obstruct your view.
According to a press release from Sky & Telescope, "The comet will rise higher in the sky and will be more visible over the weekend. By the beginning of next week, it will offer the best viewing opportunities."
Forbes: Why You Shouldn't Miss the Opportunity to View Two Amazing Comets This Month by Jamie Carter
What Is The Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Comet?
This is a long-period comet originating from the Oort Cloud, a vast region surrounding our solar system that contains millions of comets. It completes its journey around the sun only once every 80,000 years.
The Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet was identified in January 2023 by scientists at the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China and the ATLAS telescope located in South Africa.
Make sure to visit my feed each day this week and next for a daily guide to Comet A3, including sky charts and viewing tips.
Hope you have bright horizons and an open mind.
