Stargazers are gearing up for a rare comet-gazing opportunity as comet A3, also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, makes its way through the inner Solar System. Two viewing windows have been identified for observers in the northern hemisphere to catch a glimpse of this astrological event. The first window is from September 27 to October 2, while the second window will be from October 13 to 26. The best time to observe the comet is just after sunset on a clear western horizon, when it will be visible with its beautiful tail.
To get the best view, viewers are advised to find a dark location away from city lights and to use binoculars. Comet A3 was discovered in January 2023 by the Tsuchinshan Observatory in China and the ATLAS programme in South Africa. It has already been dubbed the “comet of the century” by enthusiasts, although experts caution about the unpredictability of its brightness.
Unfortunately, there is a risk that the comet may disintegrate as it gets closer to the Sun, with the perihelion scheduled for September 27 at 5 PM. The comet is primarily made of ice, dust, and rocks, and when it gets closer to the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a glowing head and tail. Despite the uncertainty, stargazers are encouraged to mark their calendars and set their alarms to catch a glimpse of this spectacular celestial event.
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