LONDON, UK – A comet that has not been visible from Earth since the time of the Neanderthals has made a rare reappearance in the sky, stunning astronomers worldwide. Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–Atlas) was first spotted by astronomers last year and is believed to have an orbit around the sun that spans about 80,000 years on a highly elongated path.
Dr. Gregory Brown, senior public astronomy officer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, explained that the comet is believed to have originated in the Oort cloud, a vast region beyond Neptune’s orbit that contains remnants from the formation of the solar system. After making its closest approach to the sun at the end of last month, the comet is expected to pass close to Earth around October 13th.
While the brightness of the comet is anticipated to peak around October 9th, Brown advised that the best time to catch a glimpse of it would be a few days before and after this date. He noted that the comet may already be visible to the naked eye under clear skies, with the potential to become even brighter as it draws nearer.
Stargazers in both the northern and southern hemispheres have the chance to witness the comet, with viewers advised to look east in the early morning before sunrise towards the constellation of Sextans. As the comet moves to the other side of the sun in the coming days, the opportunity to see it will shift to the late evening after sunset, looking west towards the constellation of Boötes.
Brown emphasized that the comet may appear as a faint smudge in the sky to the unaided eye, while the tail should be visible with the use of binoculars or a small telescope. Despite uncertainties about the comet’s brightness, astronomers and enthusiasts alike are excited for the chance to observe a rare celestial event that has not been witnessed since ancient times.
As people set their sights on the night sky in search of Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–Atlas), they are reminded of the enchanting mysteries that the universe has to offer. Whether the comet dazzles as brightly as hoped or not, the experience of witnessing a celestial marvel from millennia past is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.