This October, stargazers around the world are in for a celestial treat as the once-in-60,000-years comet C/2023 A3 makes a close pass by Earth. Identified last year by the Xuyi Observation Station of the Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, NASA has confirmed that this rare comet will light up the night skies in mid-October.
A Once-in-60,000-Years Event
The comet, also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, was first spotted in late September during its closest approach to the sun. Experts estimate that its orbital period is approximately 60,000 years, making this a truly unique astronomical event. Zhao Haibin, a researcher at PMO, explained that while the current data provides a solid estimate, slight changes in the orbit may occur with more observations.
What is a Comet?
Comets are celestial objects composed of ice, dust, and other volatile materials. As they approach the sun, solar radiation causes these materials to sublimate, creating a glowing coma and a spectacular tail that can be seen from Earth.
When and Where to See the Comet
For those eager to catch a glimpse, the comet will reach its nearest point to Earth around October 12. It will appear in the western sky of the Northern Hemisphere shortly after sunset, particularly in the constellation Virgo. Wang Kechao at PMO advises that the window for naked-eye observation on this day will be brief, lasting only about 10 to 20 minutes.
However, the following days will offer better viewing opportunities. As the comet moves further from the sun, it will become easier to spot with the naked eye, providing up to two to three hours of viewing time after dark in late October. Gregory Brown, senior public astronomy officer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, noted that C/2023 A3 has the potential to be among the brightest comets seen in recent decades, making it a must-see event for astronomy enthusiasts.
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'Once-in-60,000-years' comet to light up night skies in October
cgtn.com
