Comet seen on Earth for first time in 80,000 years: ‘The most anticipated comet of the year’
A comet that has not been seen for more than 80,000 years will appear on Earth, possibly at two different times next month.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also known as Comet A3, is believed to have an orbit around the sun of more than 80,000 years, according to earth.com.
The comet has been visible since Sept. 27 and will continue until just before sunrise on Oct. 2. It is expected to appear as a dim ball with a tail extending into the sky.
“IC/2023 A3 has an orbital period of about 80,000 years, making it a long-period star. This means that its behavior and appearance may be unpredictable, with possible changes in brightness and tail development as it approaches the Sun,” Minjae Kim. , a space expert in the astronomy department at the University of Warwick, told earth.com.
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Comet C2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas is visible over the hills near the town of Aguas Blancas, in the Department of Lavalleja, Uruguay, on the morning of September 28, 2024. (Getty Images)
“If the predictions hold, it can be seen with the naked eye, appearing as a faint star with a tail stretching across the sky. If not, binoculars or a small telescope may reveal more details about the structure and tail of the comet,” added Kim.
September 27 also marks perihelion, or the closet point to the sun, after which the comet will begin its journey back to the outer solar system, according to WKMG.
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) appears in the sky over Molfetta, Italy, on September 28, 2024. (Getty Images)
Another viewing opportunity, which is expected to be better, will be in mid-October if the comet survives the trip around the sun, as comets tend to break up as they approach the sun.
If the comet survives the journey around the sun, the comet may be visible to the naked eye as it gets closer to Earth, with its best view expected from Oct. 12 until Oct. 20.
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Comet C2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas can be seen over the hills near the town of Aguas Blancas, in the Department of Lavalleja, Uruguay, on the morning of September 28, 2024. (Getty Images)
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The comet will move higher in the sky each night until it disappears for the next 80,000 years.
Starwalk, a stargazing app, said the comet was “the most anticipated comet of the year.”
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