There comet Tsuchinshan-Atlasnicknamed “the comet of the century”, is visible to the naked eye in the Northern Hemisphere and is providing a breathtaking celestial spectacle that it will last until October 21st. Discovered in January 2023, this comet, which has a nucleus of approximately 20-40 kilometers, is particularly special because survived its close passage to the Sun on September 27, 2024.
El cometa del siglo sobre Quito.
For a few weeks the comet named C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) has surprised people all over the world, if you can see it in the west, only when the sun is hidden by the horizon.
Without doubt it is the biggest comet that… pic.twitter.com/i4CqFF0ZLm
— Roberto Valdez (@Robinski__) October 15, 2024
This type of astronomical event is rare and it only occurs once or twice in a century. For those who want to observe it, the best time is just after sunsetaround 7pm, looking towards the horizon west-southwest.
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) en route to San Carlos, Sonora until 7:00 pm.
This comet was discovered only last year and fortunately I was able to take good photos of it with an 85mm f/1.8 lens. pic.twitter.com/kkHfwiU8xV
— Rada SC (@Rada_SC) October 14, 2024
The scientific interest in Tsuchinshan-Atlas lies in the fact that comes from the Oort clouda remote region of the solar system. Astronomers are studying its tail of dust and gas for obtain information about primordial matter that formed the solar system. This material offers a rare opportunity to better understand the origin of planets and comets.
Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan Atlas, seen from Mina, Nuevo León México. Tomadas with the Nikon Z8. #nikonmx#CometATLAS #CometA3 pic.twitter.com/lJ4F3G6xxr
— Gabriela Guajardo (@GabGuajardo) October 14, 2024
Today it will reach its peak brightness
The comet will initially appear low, but in the following days it will progressively rise, although starting to decrease in brightness as it moves away from Sun. It will reach its peak brightness today, when its dust tail will be particularly noticeable thanks to the passage of the Earth through its orbital plane.
It has been three years since Comet Leonard C/2021-A1 could be captured. And now I don’t want to miss this opportunity. This comet is much brighter and wider, the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS C/2023-A3. Here posing over Mina, NL, Mx. pic.twitter.com/LERvLe9kHK
— Nicovangelion (@demodragon) October 14, 2024
But how can we see it well? For optimal observation, it is advisable to go to a location with a unobstructed view of the horizonpreferably away from light pollution of cities. It is not necessary to wait for complete darkness: the comet is most visible at twilight, slightly to the left of the sunset point.
Sometimes I feel sorry for myself so well! Now I’m just given the energy to come and see the comet, have me a coffee and some quesadillas
The comet of the siglo
C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLASDesde #SanFranciscoDeLaSierraBCS #CometaDelSiglo pic.twitter.com/MF6mv0GLtU
— Nayel Talamantes Amador (@TalamantesNayel) October 14, 2024
Although observable with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience, allowing you to better appreciate the details of the luminous tail of the comet. Those who won’t be able to see it live can follow the event in streaming thanks to projects such as the Virtual Telescope Project. Alternatively, we leave you some images of those who have already been lucky enough to see it.
Comet del siglo hoy desde Cd Obregón, Sonora #ATLAS #CometaDelSiglo #comet #Mexico #Sonora pic.twitter.com/LAJ1F7fZv9
— Maximiliano Ugarte (@TheMaxiArte) October 14, 2024