Early in 2023, astronomers discovered a comet known as C/2023 A3 or Tsuchinshan–Atlas believed to orbit our sun every 80,000 years. The opportunity to see it from Earth is rare because the comet is on an extremely elongated path. Incredibly, this means that the Neanderthals were still around the last time the comet could be seen from Earth! To make matters even more exciting, astronomers say that the comet may be visible to the naked eye.
The Origin of Comet C/2023 A3

According to the Royal Observatory of Greenwich’s senior public astronomy officer, Dr Gregory Brown, the comet is believed to have originated in a region beyond the orbit of Neptune known as the Oort cloud. This almost spherical and vast region around the sun consists of the icy remnants of the solar system’s formation. [1] However, the comet has now made a spectacular return to our corner of the solar system. At the end of last month, it made its closest approach to the sun and is anticipated to do the same to our planet on approximately the 13th of October.
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When Will the Comet Be the Brightest?

When the comet is close to the sun, it shines very brightly, and then once it comes closest to our planet it becomes bright again. So, the brightest time won’t necessarily coincide with the closest approach, which would likely be around the 9th of October. However, at this point, Tsuchinshan–Atlas will be situated almost directly between the sun and the Earth. Therefore, Dr Brown suggests that the best time to try and see the comet would be the few days before and after this point.
How Visible is C/2023 A3?

Comets that are visible to the naked eye are rather rare to witness. It’s definitely worth trying to spot this one though, as the astronomy officer points out that this particular one has the potential to be one of the brightest observable comets in the last few decades. However, it is difficult for astronomers to determine exactly how visible and bright the comet will become as it approaches Earth. However, despite not knowing exactly how bright it will get, they do say that it is already visible in certain conditions, and will likely get considerably brighter yet.
Who Will Be Able to See the Comet?

Stargazers in both the southern and northern hemispheres will potentially be able to get a glimpse of the comet. The best way to view it currently is to look toward the constellation of Sextans in the east before sunrise in the early hours of the morning. However, over the next few days, it will begin to swing over to the other side of the sun. Therefore, the best place to look for it from the 13th of October is after sunset towards the constellation of Boötes in the west. While the comet may only appear as a smudge in the sky to the naked eye, you should be able to make out the tail using a small telescope or pair of binoculars. [2]
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It Is a Very Rare Occurrence

While there is no assurance as to how visible the comet will be, this should not dissuade anyone from trying. It is not every day that we get presented with this rare opportunity. There is the possibility that it may not turn out to be as spectacular as we all hope. However, there is still something to be said about viewing an object that has not been seen by human eyes since the Stone Age. There is also no way of knowing how bright or visible the comet would have been way back then. So, this truly is a rare occurrence worthy of observing.
It’s Not Too Late to See It!

The comet was visible before sunrise up until the 2nd of October. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s too late for you to observe it. It will once again be visible from the 12th to the 30th of October. Many experts believe that the best is yet to come, as the comet will be making its approach towards Earth. [3] If you want to find out if it will be observable from your location, check out The Sky Live.
The Bottom Line on Comet C/2023 A3 aka Tsuchinshan–Atlas

This comet offers us a rare chance to witness an object that last passed Earth’s skies during the Stone Age. Although its closest approach to the sun occurred in late September, its approach to Earth will peak around October 13th. The comet may be visible to the naked eye, with the best viewing times just before and after this date. Although its brightness cannot be determined by astronomers, it could be one of the most luminous comets in decades! Will you be trying to catch a glimpse?
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