Witness the Magnificent Comet of 2024: Behold Its Radiant Display One Last Time Virtually Online
Are you prepared for one last peek at the most brilliant comet in over a decade? Following its spectacular debut in September and October, comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is gradually losing its shine in the night sky, but a digital observatory will make it viewable yet again on YouTube for one final time on Monday.
What is Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS?
A long-term comet composed of ice, particles, and rocks that orbit the sun is what we call Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Often referred to as "dirt snowballs," these comets are discovered by astronomers, such as those at China's Tsuchinshan (Purple Mountain) Observatory and South Africa's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope, who spotted it in January 2023.
Where is Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Located?
This month marks the final visible days of comet A3 as it ventures farther away from the sun. Currently within the constellation Aquila, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is positioned 237 million miles (381 million kilometers) from Earth on Monday night, shining at a magnitude of approximately +9, surpassing the threshold of human naked-eye visibility.
When and Where to View Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS
The Virtual Telescope Project will air views of comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS as it departs Earth. Its live broadcast is scheduled for 17:00 UTC (midday EST) on December 23.
"After its remarkable display in October, comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has left us with cherished memories for sky enthusiasts. Although the comet is now only visible through telescopes, we felt compelled to offer a chance to revisit this cosmic wonder, having timed it perfectly for the holiday season," said Gianluca Masi at The Virtual Telescope Project, in an email.
Where is Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Heading Now?
Originating from the Oort Cloud, a far-off, spherical shell surrounding the solar system filled with countless comets, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is believed to orbit the sun only once every 80,000 years. It reached its perihelion in September – the closest point to the sun in its journey. It will re-enter the Oort Cloud, transitioning back towards the sun in approximately 40,000 years.
What Made Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS So Bright?
While there are numerous comets in the inner solar system at any given time, only a select few are visible to the naked eye, or even as binocular objects. Why was Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS so distinctive?
The comet's proximity to both the sun and Earth during late September and October, causing light to bend around dust particles in its tail directed towards Earth, is the primary reason for its increased brightness. The phenomenon is comparable to how thin clouds seem brighter when backlit by the sun.
Wishing you clear skies and curious minds.
The digital observatory will make 'comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)' viewable once more on YouTube for a final time on Monday. You can catch a live broadcast of 'comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS' as it departs Earth by the Virtual Telescope Project on December 23. Despite losing its shine, 'comet a3' is still within the constellation Aquila and is positioned 237 million miles (381 million kilometers) from Earth.
