Comet C/2023 A3: Visible After 80,000 Years—Find Out Where to Watch

After more than 80,000 years, a comet will be visible from Earth again, offering a treat for skywatchers during two distinct phases next month.

A Rare Celestial Event After 80,000 Years

According to a report from Earth.com, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also known as Comet A3, will orbit around the Sun for the first time in over 80,000 years.

The comet became visible from Earth on September 27 and will be visible in the sky before sunrise on October 2.

It is expected to appear as a fuzzy ball with a tail stretching across the sky.

“C/2023 A3 has an orbital period of approximately 80,000 years, classifying it as a long-period comet. This means its behavior and appearance can be unpredictable, with potential changes in brightness and tail development as it approaches the sun,”said Minjae Kim, a space expert from the University of Warwick’s astronomy department, in an interview with Earth.com.

“If predictions hold, it could be visible to the naked eye, appearing as a fuzzy star with a tail stretching across the sky. Otherwise, binoculars or a small telescope may reveal more detail in the comet’s structure and tail,” Kim said.

Comet A3: Approaching Outer Space

The comet reached its perihelion on September 27, marking its closest approach to the Sun, and will now begin its journey back toward the outer solar system, according to WKMG.

The comet is expected to become visible again in mid-October, provided it survives its trip around the Sun, as comets typically break apart when they approach the Sun.

After its journey, the comet will be visible to the naked eye as it approaches Earth, with the best visibility expected between October 12 and October 20.

Each night, the comet will ascend higher in the sky until it eventually disappears again for the next 80,000 years.

Astronomical app Starwalk stated that this comet is the “most anticipated comet of the year.”

How To View Comet C/2023 A3

Those hoping to see the comet with the naked eye should pay attention to the moon during its waning crescent phase, as the comet’s position may vary depending on the moon’s position on different dates.

Comet C/2023 A3 is approximately 157.1 million miles from Earth and is traveling at a speed of about 70 km per second (150,000 miles per hour).

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