Astronomy enthusiasts could be in for the “brightest” event of the year this fall, when an unusually bright comet should be visible even with the naked eye.
A3, captured in New Zealand by Max Inwood. Photo: Facebook/Max Inwood
The comet was first observed in January 2023, by the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China, and was later detected independently by NASA’s ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System), hence the full name of this celestial body, C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). Scientists, however, call it comet A3 for short and monitor its evolution, noting how it shines more and more brightly and approaches its maximum visibility.
It should be visible in the Northern Hemisphere from now, although before sunrise it will be very low on the horizon. But the most spectacular views of the autumn sky are expected in mid-October, when it could become visible even with the naked eye, reports the BBC.
Shortly after it was first spotted, there was speculation that it could be one of the brightest comets in recent years, but this is hard to predict because, experts say, bright comets are often highly unpredictable .
Unlike asteroids, which are made entirely of rock, comets are composed of ice, rock, and gas. As they approach the Sun, heat causes their ice to turn into gas and release dust particles trapped in the ice, forming their spectacular tail.
“Bright comets are quite rare, so if you get a chance to see one, don’t miss it, even if you have to use binoculars to make out the tail and features. They are absolutely fantastic!”, said Robert Massey, deputy chief executive of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Over the next week, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (A3) should be visible in the Northern Hemisphere low to the east before sunrise with a telescope or binoculars. After October 12, however, there are better chances that it will be visible even with the naked eye, but, this time, towards the West.
Although it could become as bright as Neowise, which was an impressive sight during the 2020 pandemic, scientists say it is unlikely to surpass that brightness. However, if the sky is clear and conditions are favorable, this comet could make for one of the most exciting astronomical events of the year.
“Comets are unpredictable, we don’t know when the next one will appear, so don’t miss this chance!”, urges Robert Massey.
