A brightening comet ready to shine in the autumn sky

Astronomy fans, get your telescopes and cameras ready: it’s possible that an unusually bright comet will grace the night sky.

It should be visible in the Northern Hemisphere from now on, although it will be very low on the horizon before dawn.

But the best views are expected in mid-October, when they might even become visible to the naked eye.

Shortly after its first sighting, speculation swirled that it could be one of the brightest comets in years. That enthusiasm is fading, but it should still be worth seeing.

The comet was first noticed in January 2023 by the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China, and then independently detected by NASA’s Asteroid Land Impact Late Warning System (ATLAS).

This partly explains its full name C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). People call it Comet A3 for short.

Since then, astronomers have been tracking its progress, watching it brighten and approach maximum visibility.

Unlike asteroids, which are made entirely of rock, comets are made up of ice, rock, and gas.

As they approach the Sun, heat turns their ice into gas and releases dust particles trapped in the ice, causing their beautiful tail.

This latest comet has been visible in the Southern Hemisphere and is now also appearing in the Northern Hemisphere.

But it is notoriously difficult to predict the brightness of each comet.

Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society, says: “Bright comets are quite rare, so if you’re lucky enough to see one, take a look, even if you have to use a pair binoculars to spot them. tail and characteristics. They are absolutely beautiful.

Dr. Massey remains skeptical of some expectations regarding this particular comet.

“Will it be the brightest comet in 100 years? I really doubt it,” he says.

Will you be able to see the comet and how?

Dr. Massey recommends looking for the comet for two periods.

Over the next week, it should be visible in the Northern Hemisphere in the eastern sky before dawn, although you may need binoculars or a telescope.

Chances will be better from around October 12, this time after sunset in the western sky.

With a little luck, you will even be able to see the comet with the naked eye.

“You could walk out and say, ‘Wow, there’s a comet!’ without even needing binoculars,” Dr. Massey says.

“Comets are unpredictable, but we don’t know when the next one will appear, so don’t miss this opportunity,” he adds.

With clear skies and good conditions, this comet could be one of the most exciting astronomical events of the year.

Although the comet could become as bright as Comet Neowise, which was a striking sight during the 2020 pandemic, scientists say it is unlikely to exceed that brightness.