A comet discovered last year is growing brighter as it makes its closest approach to Earth this week. This could be the last chance to see it before it vanishes into the depths of space.
Keen observers may have already spotted the comet in the morning sky, but it will be visible to the naked eye in the evening from October 9 until the end of the month. Photo: X
The comet, known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS or C/2023 A3, is expected to light up the night sky, possibly becoming as bright as Jupiter. Astronomers predict it will be at its brightest on Wednesday (October 9) and could remain visible until the end of the month, reports The New York Times.
Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, like all comets, is a frozen leftover from the solar system's formation. As it approaches the sun, the ice starts to melt, creating a faint tail.
Astronomers at the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China first discovered the comet on January 9, 2023. A month later, it was also spotted by the ATLAS telescope in South Africa. Initial observations suggest that the comet may orbit the sun once every 80,000 years.
Such an orbit takes Tsuchinshan-ATLAS far “out of the realm of the planets,” said Michelle Nichols, the director of public observing at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Comparatively, Neptune takes about 165 years to orbit the sun, while Pluto completes its journey around the sun in roughly 248 years.
Nichols thinks this comet is worth making the effort to observe, if you’re able.
“Any comet that even remotely approaches naked-eye visibility is a comet worth going out to see,” she said. “Because we just don’t get them all that often.”
Keen observers may have already spotted the comet in the morning sky, but it will be visible to the naked eye in the evening from October 9 until the end of the month.
For the best view of the comet, Dr Masi suggests finding a dark spot with a clear view of the western horizon. Just after sunset, look low in the sky where the sun has set. The comet may appear a bit blurry compared to nearby stars and could be tricky to spot in the fading light. Using binoculars or a small telescope can help.
After Wednesday, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will stay visible and might be easier to spot as it moves higher in the sky, though it will become dimmer. The moonlight, especially during the supermoon on October 17, could also make it harder to see.
Skywatching events for the comet may be organised through your local planetarium or astronomy club. The Virtual Telescope Project is also hosting a live broadcast on October 9.
