What You Need To Know
- The rare comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas continues to appear in the night sky
- Tuesday night will be optimal viewing conditions of the comet with the naked eye
- The comet will be visible in the night sky through late October
Astronomers say it should be bright enough to see with the naked eye, although telescopes and binoculars will give a better view.
What is a Comet?
A comet is a group of ice and dust particles leftover from the solar system’s formation. These particles heat up as they approach the sun, releasing their characteristic streaming tails.
What is Tsuchinshan-Atlas?
This comet, also designated C/2023 A3, was discovered last year and is named for the observatories in China and South Africa that spied it.
It came from what’s known as the Oort Cloud, well beyond Pluto. After making its closest approach about 44 million miles (71 million kilometers) of Earth, it won’t return for another 80,000 years — assuming it survives the trip.
In 2023, a green comet that last visited Earth 50,000 years ago zoomed by the planet again. Other notable flybys included Neowise in 2020, and Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake in the mid-to-late 1990s.
How to See It
Those hoping to spot it should venture outside soon after sunset and look to the west. Several comets are discovered every year, but many burn up near the sun or linger too far away to be visible without special equipment. This comet you will see with the naked eye tonight.
The comet will be located 30 degrees from the sun, which means it will be relatively easy to see fairly high in a dark sky. As long as you have a clear view of the western horizon after sunset, you should be able to see it.
According to Sky and Telescope, you’ll begin to see it 45 minutes after sunset but it will be brightest an hour to two hours post-sunset. Find Venus and look “two and a half fists” to the upper right of the planet and you should see the comet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to see Tsuchinshan-Atlas?
A: The optimal night to observe the comet is tonight, as its position in the night sky will be away from the sun’s glare.
Q: Can I see Tsuchinshan-Atlas with the naked eye?
A: Yes, astronomers say it should be bright enough to see with the naked eye, although telescopes and binoculars will give a better view.
Q: How long will Tsuchinshan-Atlas be visible?
A: The comet will be visible through Oct. 21, but you will likely need a telescope or binoculars to see it after tonight.
Conclusion
Tsuchinshan-Atlas is a rare and unique opportunity to see a comet in the night sky. Make sure to venture outside soon after sunset and look to the west to catch a glimpse of this celestial phenomenon.
