October 2024 will be an extraordinary month for those who love observing the night sky. According to what was confirmed by the Union of Italian Amateur Astronomers (UAI), two bright comets, C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS and C/2024 S1 ATLAS, will offer an exceptional spectacle, visible even to the naked eye. The first, C/2023 A3, will be at the peak of its visibility around October 12, while C/2024 S1 could reach such brightness that it can also be observed during the day, with the maximum peak expected for October 28.
The passage of comets will not be the only celestial phenomenon in October 2024. Enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to witness other natural spectacles, such as the full moon and the appearance of Venus in the evening sky. The UAI, which regularly organizes scientific dissemination events, invites the public to take advantage of these magical moments to learn more about the secrets of astronomy and to observe celestial phenomena in all their beauty.
How and where to best observe the comets of October 2024
To fully enjoy these astronomical wonders, it is advisable to move away from city lights and head towards areas with low light pollution, such as the countryside or mountains. Although the two comets can be observed without instruments, the use of binoculars or small telescopes will offer a more detailed view of the tails and coma of gas that envelop them. Comet C/2023 A3 will be particularly visible in the Northern Hemisphere shortly after sunset, while C/2024 S1, if it survives its close passage to the Sun, could be visible in the evening hours or at dawn, from October 23.
The wait for comet C/2024 S1 ATLAS is very high, as it could become one of the brightest comets of recent decades. With an estimated magnitude of up to -8.5, it may be visible even in daylight. However, as often happens with comets, their unpredictability remains an important factor: passing close to the Sun could destroy its nucleus, depriving us of the spectacle. But if he manages to resist, the vision will be unique and memorable, a true rarity for those who love observing the sky.
