A spectacular celestial event: Comet C/2023 A3 visible in India after 80,000 years

Skywatchers in India have a rare opportunity to see Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), a celestial visitor that hasn’t graced our skies in approximately 80,000 years. Discovered in January 2023, the comet recently reached its closest approach to the Sun on September 28, 2024, and is now moving away, making it increasingly visible from Earth.

Comet rises above the horizon just before orbital sunrise amongst aurora and swirling satellites.

Timelapse composed from 1/4s, 50mm, f1.2, ISP 6400 images played at 30fps. pic.twitter.com/mdb8KpzlAo

— Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) September 29, 2024

Viewing Details: The best time to catch a glimpse of the comet is during the early morning hours, just before sunrise. Here are some tips to help you spot Comet C/2023 A3:

Timing: Aim to look for the comet about an hour before dawn, as the sky begins to brighten.

Location: Focus on the eastern horizon, where the comet will be visible low on the horizon. Find a location away from city lights and tall buildings for a clearer view.

Enhancing Visibility: While the comet may be visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a small telescope can significantly enhance your experience. It currently appears as a fuzzy, star-like object with a faint tail.

Using the Moon as a Guide: In early October, the Moon will help you locate the comet. Look for a fuzzy star with a misty tail situated below the Moon in the eastern sky.

Brightness Expectation: The comet is expected to reach its peak brightness in early October, shining at a magnitude of around +0.66. As it moves higher in the sky throughout the month, viewing conditions are expected to improve. By mid-October, it will be visible in the evening sky after sunset, though it may have slightly faded to a magnitude of +0.86.

Stay Updated: Comets can be unpredictable, so it's essential to check astronomical websites for the latest updates on the visibility of Comet C/2023 A3.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness a spectacular celestial event. Mark your calendars and prepare for an early morning adventure to catch a glimpse of Comet C/2023 A3!