Astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike are gearing up for a celestial treat as Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) makes its grand appearance in the evening skies of the Northern Hemisphere following the 12th of October.
Brightening steadily, C/2023 A3 is already captivating viewers in the Southern Hemisphere, and predictions suggest that it could become one of the most remarkable comets seen in recent years. Experts believe that with a projected brightness potentially exceeding magnitude -5.0, this comet may even outshine the celebrated Comet NEOWISE, which dazzled audiences in the summer of 2020.
As the comet approaches its closest pass to the Earth on October 12, observers can anticipate a stunning visual display. Initially appearing in the constellation Virgo shortly after sunset, C/2023 A3 promises to be visible to the naked eye, offering a thrilling opportunity for those in dark sky areas.
- October 10-12: from -3.0 to -1.0 mag, appears in the evening in the Northern Hemisphere shortly after sunset, very low in the western sky in the constellation of Virgo. Short observation window, but visible with the naked eye! Best time to see the comet. Makes its closest approach to Earth on October 12.
- October 13-14: from -1.0 to 1.0 mag, quickly losing brightness, but moving farther from the Sun and therefore easier to see. Visible with the naked eye in the evening about an hour after sunset. On October 14, C/2023 A3 will pass close to another comet, 13P/Olbers (mag 10).
- October 15-19: 1.0 to 4.5 mag, moving toward Serpens Caput. May produce an anti-tail, a bright streak that appears to be pointing toward the Sun, opposite the other tails. On October 15, it will pass 1.4° from the M5 globular cluster, providing a good photo opportunity
- October 20-31: 4.5 to 7.0 mag, moving across the constellation Ophiuchus relatively high in the southwestern sky in the evening. Visible with binoculars and telescopes. During these days, the tail of the comet will begin to grow rapidly, possibly reaching up to 20° long (about 40 times the size of the Full Moon) under dark skies.
- November: from 7 to 8 mag, visible in the evening. Rises higher in the Northern Hemisphere after sunset.
- December: from 8 to 10 mag, gradually moves closer to the Sun in our sky, rising lower above the horizon. Not visible from the Southern Hemisphere.
As the comet moves further from the Sun after its perihelion on September 27, observers can also expect to see a dramatic tail grow, formed by the melting ice and dust particles released as it experiences the Sun’s heat.
With the comet gaining visibility, schools, observatories, and astronomy clubs are arranging viewing events and educational sessions to celebrate this magnificent astronomical event.
Stay tuned and prepare your telescopes or cameras! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the beauty of Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) as it lights up our night skies.