The astrological event of the year is currently happening as comet A3, also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is making its way through the inner Solar System. Stargazers in the northern hemisphere have two viewing windows to catch a glimpse of this spectacular comet with the naked eye. The first window is from September 27 to October 2, and the second is from October 13 to 26. The best time to observe it is in the evening, on a clear western horizon, at least an hour after sunset.
Comet A3 was discovered in January 2023 by the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China and the ATLAS program in South Africa. Comets are primarily made of ice, dust, and rocks, and when a comet’s orbit brings it closer to the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma and a long tail.
Stargazers are advised to find a dark location away from city lights with a clear view for the best viewing experience. Binoculars can also enhance the viewing. Residents of the southern hemisphere and astronauts on the International Space Station have already managed to capture images of comet A3 and post them on social media.
While some enthusiasts have dubbed comet A3 as the “comet of the century” due to its brightness, experts are more reserved due to the unpredictability of its brightness. The risk of disintegration when the comet is closer to the Sun is a concern, with the perihelion scheduled for September 27 at 5 PM. Stargazers are encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity to witness the comet before it potentially disappears.
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