What's happened
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3) is nearing its closest approach to Earth on October 12, 2024. Expected to be visible to the naked eye, it may rival Jupiter's brightness. Stargazers should prepare for optimal viewing conditions starting October 9, when the comet is predicted to be at its brightest.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is expected to be especially vivid, potentially rivaling Jupiter's brightness. Gianluca Masi, an astrophysicist, describes it as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.' Meanwhile, The Guardian highlights the uncertainty surrounding the comet's brightness, noting that predictions can be unpredictable. Dr. Robert Massey from the Royal Astronomical Society expresses cautious optimism, stating it will likely be a 'nice bright object' but may not reach the heights of previous comets like NEOWISE. The Independent emphasizes the comet's historical significance, noting it hasn't been visible since the time of Neanderthals, making this a unique event for modern observers.
How we got here
Discovered in January 2023, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS originates from the Oort Cloud and has an orbital period of approximately 80,000 years. It was independently detected by two observatories, leading to its current visibility as it approaches the Sun.
Common question
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When Will Comet A3 Be Visible from Earth?
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas) is making headlines as it approaches Earth, with expectations of being visible to the naked eye in mid-October 2024. This page answers common questions about this exciting celestial event, including its visibility, uniqueness, and how to best observe it.
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When will Comet A3 be visible to the naked eye?
As astronomers eagerly await the visibility of Comet A3 and the eruption of T Coronae Borealis, many are curious about what these celestial events mean for skywatchers. With the potential for a bright comet and a significant nova, there's a lot to explore about these astronomical phenomena.
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How are global leaders reacting to recent political and military developments?
In light of recent events, including political turmoil in France, escalating tensions in Taiwan, and significant astronomical occurrences, global leaders are responding in various ways. This page explores the implications of these developments and how they resonate on the international stage, raising further questions about safety, diplomacy, and public interest.
More on these topics
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The Oort cloud, sometimes called the Öpik–Oort cloud, first described in 1950 by the Dutch astronomer Jan Oort, is a theoretical concept of a cloud of predominantly icy planetesimals proposed to surround the Sun at distances ranging from 2,000 to 200,0
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C/2020 F3 or Comet NEOWISE is a long period comet with a near-parabolic orbit discovered on March 27, 2020, by astronomers during the NEOWISE mission of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer space telescope.
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Neptune is the eighth and farthest-known planet from the Sun. In the Solar System, it is the fourth-largest planet by diameter, the third-most-massive planet, and the densest giant planet.