Rare visible comet brings out skygazers
This week, all eyes look skyward as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS makes its presence known, providing a rare naked-eye viewing opportunity of an unusual celestial object.
Locals are coming out in droves this week, hoping to see the comet, which peaked in intensity last Saturday night, appearing near the western horizon just after sunset, much to the delight of skywatchers.
Discovered in January 2023 by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is about 44 million miles away. However, according to NASA, its tail, comprised of dust and gases, along with its relative position with the sun, makes it visible, with its light extending millions of miles.
But if you are hoping to get a glimpse of the dirty snowball, you better hurry; the comet is expected to dim significantly each night as it moves away from the sun. By Oct. 26, scientists predict you'll likely need a telescope before it completely vanishes from sight around Halloween.
NASA initially said the comet wouldn't be visible again for about 80,000 years but recently revised that statement based on new data. "As of October 14, 2024, the comet’s path may take it out of the solar system altogether," NASA said.
The best time to look is about an hour after sunset; the comet will be visible for about an hour before it sets and drops below the horizon. Looking west, locate the bright planet Venus in the southwest and the bright star Arcturus in the west. Both will be close to the horizon, and the comet will be just below a point about halfway between them.
Social media has lit up with comet photos in recent days, as many in the East Bay reach for their cameras to document the frozen dust balls' presence.
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