The cosmos continually captivates our imagination and sparks curiosity, revealing breathtaking celestial events and the mysteries of distant galaxies. Exploring astronomy offers insights into the movements of celestial bodies and the beauty of the night sky, highlighting the significance of observing these phenomena. Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or a casual observer, understanding these cosmic occurrences deepens our appreciation for the vast universe we inhabit.
Recent weeks have featured several celestial events observable from the U.S.A significant geomagnetic storm, triggered by energy and particles released from the sun, caused the northern lights to be seen as far south as Texas last week. Additionally, October’s full moon, the largest supermoon of the year, appeared with other comets and meteor showers, such as the ATLAS comet later in October and the Southern Taurids meteor shower, which will also be visible throughout the winter.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS: Find the perfect spot to watch suggests NASA astronaut Cooke
NASA astronomer Bill Cooke suggests locating a high, dark spot and looking toward the southwest. The tail of Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be visible at approximately 10 degrees above the western horizon, likely positioned between the constellations Sagittarius and Scorpio. Additionally, the Italy-based Virtual Telescope Project will livestream the comet on October 21.
According to Cooke, the prime time to view the comet is just after sunset and before sunrise. It is expected to remain visible in the night sky until October 24 with binoculars or a small telescope. After that, the comet will gradually rise higher and lose brightness, disappearing sometime in early November, as noted by NASA.
Is the comet visible tonight?
Absolutely! Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also referred to as C/2023 A3, is visible in the western sky after sunset from the Northern Hemisphere. Although it is slightly past its peak brightness, tonight, October 18, provides an excellent opportunity to see this celestial wonder. As the comet rises into a darker sky, it will be more prominent and visible for a longer duration compared to earlier this week.
Despite being a bit dimmer, it’s still possible to spot the comet with binoculars and a bit of patience, especially in urban areas with light pollution. Given its distance from Earth is over 60 million miles and its higher position in the sky, there are fewer obstructions like trees and buildings to contend with.
How to find Comet Tsuchinshan – ATLAS
- Timing: Look for the comet about 45 minutes after sunset in your location.
- Position: The comet will be located in the west, approximately 40 degrees from the sun, within the constellation Serpens.
Viewing details:
- Magnitude: +1.5
- Distance from the Sun: 62.6 million miles (100.8 million kilometres)
- Distance from Earth: 52 million miles (83.7 million kilometres)
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS: Viewing instructions
Tonight, the comet will be visible high above the western horizon around 45 minutes after sunset, which occurs approximately two hours and 25 minutes later. Look for bright Venus to the southwest and Arcturus to the west-northwest. The comet will be situated roughly halfway between these two stars, forming a triangle in the night sky.
As a waning gibbous moon, illuminated at 96.4%, rises in the east, it will create a beautiful backdrop. Both the comet and the moon can be seen with the naked eye, but binoculars will enhance your view significantly.
Don’t miss your chance to see the comet!
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has enjoyed a good visibility period since its closest approach to the sun on September 27. However, its time is running out. It may still be visible to the naked eye until October 19 or 20, but it is likely to fade quickly thereafter. Binoculars or a small telescope will be necessary for the best views later this month.
Skywatchers are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to see the comet before it becomes too faint. As the famous astronomer David H. Levy once said, “comets are like cats: they have tails, and they do precisely what they want.” So, grab your binoculars, head outside, and enjoy this astronomical spectacle!
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