
Prepare to witness a rare celestial event that is going to happen after thousands of years as the Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas), last seen in history dating back to the Neanderthal period, returns to our skies after an unbelievable 80,000-year sojourn.
This long-period comet was sighted first during early 2023 and will pass above the constellation Boötes on October 10 to 13.
What is Comet?
Comets are the remnants of yesteryears, of the creation of our own solar system. They originate from a very far-off place, where once ice existed. The name "comet" is coined from the Latin term for "coma," meaning "hair," which describes the halo.
Origin of Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas)
Comet C/2023 A3 is likely to be an Oort Cloud originator, a hypothetical fog lying around our solar system. With a long orbital period of 80,000 years, the velocity of this comet would indicate it was gravitationally perturbed and sent towards the inner solar system.
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas) size
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas) is 1 to 2 kilometers (0.6 to 1.2 miles) in diameter, and its nucleus is around 800-1,000 meters (2,625-3,280 feet) in size.
Comet C/2023 A3 viewing schedule
- October 9: Comet reaches peak brightness (magnitude -3)
- October 10: First visible in the constellation Boötes after sunset
- October 12-13: Closest approach to Earth (magnitude +2); visible near Boötes
- Mid-October: Moon's light may interfere with visibility
- End of October: Dimmer (magnitude +6); binoculars or small telescope required
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Tips for stargazers:
- Location: Constellation Boötes, after sunset.
- Time: October 10-13, best viewing around 9pm.
- Equipment: Binoculars or small telescope for optimal viewing.
Will we see Comet C/2023 A3 again?
It's uncertain. The Comet C/2023 A3's speed and gravitational interactions will determine its future orbit. If it escapes the Sun's gravity, it may never return. However, if its speed is insufficient, it could theoretically revisit us in the distant future.