How to see the rare Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet before it disappears forever

The Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet, officially designated as C/2023 A3, is a rare celestial visitor that made its closest approach to Earth in October 2024, and it won’t return for thousands of years. As of today, October 16, 2024, Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is still captivating skywatchers across the globe. Here’s everything you need to know about the comet and how to observe it before it fades from view.

Discovery and origins of the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet

Astronomers at the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China, working in collaboration with the ATLAS project, which is working to detect celestial objects approaching Earth, first discovered the comet in January of 2023.

Tsuchinshan-ATLAS likely originated from the  Oort Cloud, a distant region in the outermost parts of the solar system, and its long elliptical orbit suggests it hasn’t visited the inner solar system for thousands of years.

The closest approach and peak visibility

On October 12, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS made its closest approach to Earth, coming within 44 million miles. At this time, it was at its brightest, with an apparent magnitude of between 0.5 and 1.7, making it easily visible to the naked eye under the right conditions, making it one of the brightest comets of the past decade, comparable to Comet NEOWISE, which delighted skywatchers in 2020.

The comet’s current position places it in the evening sky, where it can be seen just after sunset, particularly from dark, rural locations. Over the next few days, it will gradually dim but will remain visible with binoculars or small telescopes throughout October.

Viewing tips and best locations

Look for a location away from bright lights if possible. The darker, the better, and of course, you will need a clear sky. The comet is situated in the constellation Serpens Caput, moving toward Ophiuchus in the western sky. Around an hour after sunset is the best time to catch a glimpse of Tsuchinshan-ATLAS as it appears higher in the sky each night, though moonlight may affect visibility.

A good pair of binoculars can help improve the viewing experience and allow you to see better the tail, which has been going through several changes. The comet’s ion tail points directly away from the Sun, while its dust tail has been shifting due to interactions with the solar wind.

What makes Tsuchinshan-ATLAS special?

One of the most fascinating aspects of this comet is its unpredictable nature due to the interactions between its ice core and solar wind that can cause sudden changes in its appearance.

It also offers a glimpse into the primordial material from the early solar system. Researchers are eagerly studying the comet’s composition, which could provide valuable insights into the formation of comets and the outer regions of our solar system.

Final days of visibility and long-term fate

As Tsuchinshan-ATLAS moves farther from both Earth and the Sun, its brightness will continue to fade. By late November, the comet will be difficult to spot without the aid of telescopes. After this, it will journey back toward the outer reaches of the solar system and may not return for another 26,000 years.

For those wanting to capture photographs or be witness to such a rare event, the next few days offer prime opportunities, particularly in regions with minimal light pollution.

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