If you turn your gaze to the western horizon just after sunset this evening, you may catch a glimpse of a once in a lifetime celestial event – a view of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also known as the A3 comet.
"Though the comet is very old, it was just discovered in 2023, when it approached the inner solar system on its highly elliptical orbit for the first time in documented human history,” NASA wrote on its website. “Beginning in mid-October 2024, Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will become visible low in the west following sunset.”
The A3 comet has been visible to the naked eye in parts of the world since early October. And although peak visibility for our region was earlier this week, the comet should continue to be visible until Oct. 24. Visibility will diminish each day, so if you plan to catch a glimpse of the comet, you’ll want to do it as soon as possible.
Luckily, the sky should be clear for viewing over the next few nights. The Moon is full tonight, which can make the comet harder to see, but because the moon should be shining in the southern portion of the sky, it shouldn’t interfere too much with viewing the comet.
To get a good look, you’ll want to grab a spot with a clear view of the western horizon and with minimal light pollution (the beach is probably a safe bet) and look just above the horizon line. The comet will be the most visible between about 15 minutes and 45 minutes after sunset. Though the comet should still be visible to the naked eye, it would definitely be even more impressive through a telescope or binoculars.
