Yet another spectacular celestial event is set to light up our skies: the brightest comet of the year. If you missed last year’s super rare green comet and the biggest supermoon of the year this September, this is your chance to witness something equally dazzling. The historic comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is expected to make an appearance after sunset around October 11 and 12 and it’s promising quite a show to casual skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts alike. Here’s everything you need to know.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also known as C/2023 A3, hails from the Oort Cloud, a vast, icy region that envelops our solar system and extends toward the nearest star, filled with frozen materials and largely empty space. It was initially discovered in images captured by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China on January 9, 2023, and was named after the year it was discovered. This will also be the comet’s first journey into the inner solar system after approximately 80,000 years.
When can you see it?
According to space.com, “the comet will be the largest visible object in the solar system and the closest to the Earth beyond the moon.”
The comet reached its closest approach to the sun on September 27. The heat began to break it up resulting in a long, bright tail that increased its visibility.
Your best chances of seeing the comet again are on October 12 when the comet will be closest to the Earth. It should be visible to the naked eye and with the use of binoculars and telescopes, just above the western horizon after sunset. The comet will be visible in both hemispheres. If you miss out, there might be a second chance in mid-October, according to Weatherzone.
Where can you find the best view?
Like most celestial events, you’ll need a clear, cloudless sky and a dark place for the best chance to view the comet. Some dark sky spots around NSW include the Warrumbungle National Park, Coonabarabran and Palm Beach Headland right here in Sydney.
Find more information about the comet here and see images from its September sighting on earthsky.org.