Rare 60,000-Year Comet to Light Up October Night Skies
A celestial spectacle awaits stargazers this October as a rare comet, officially designated as C/2023 A3, makes its first close pass by Earth in 60,000 years. Discovered last year, this comet offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts around the globe.
Discovery of Comet C/2023 A3
The comet was first identified on January 9, 2023, by the Xuyi Observation Station of the Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Later confirmed by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center, it was named Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. The naming follows a specific convention: “C” indicates a comet with an orbital period exceeding 200 years, “2023” denotes the year of discovery, “A” represents the first half of January, and “3” indicates it was the third such object discovered during that period.
“After a period of observation, we determined its orbit, and based on the shape of the orbit, we calculated that its orbital period is approximately 60,000 years,” explained Zhao Haibin, a researcher at PMO, in an interview with Beijing News. Zhao noted that as more observational data becomes available, slight changes in the comet’s orbit may occur due to non-gravitational effects.
What Is a Comet?
Comets are celestial objects composed of ice, dust, and other volatile materials. As they approach the sun, solar radiation causes these materials to sublimate, releasing gas and dust that form a glowing coma and often a spectacular tail. This process makes comets visible from Earth, sometimes even to the naked eye.
When and Where to See the Comet
The comet made its closest approach to the sun in late September and is expected to be nearest to Earth around October 12. For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, it will appear in the low western sky in the constellation Virgo shortly after sunset. According to Wang Kechao of PMO, the initial window for naked-eye observation will be brief—about 10 to 20 minutes.
As the days progress, the comet’s angular distance from the sun will increase, making it easier to spot. “About an hour after sunset, it will be visible in the western sky,” said Wang. The optimal viewing period will extend into late October, during which the public may have up to two to three hours of observation time after dark.
However, due to its parabolic orbit, the comet’s brightness will gradually diminish as it moves away from the sun and Earth. “Based on current predictions, it will become difficult to see with the naked eye around November,” Wang explained.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Experts suggest there is a high chance that the comet will be visible to the naked eye, making this a rare event. Gregory Brown, senior public astronomy officer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, emphasized the significance: “Naked-eye-visible comets are rare enough as it is, and this one has the potential to be amongst the brightest that we’ve seen in the last few decades. So it’s certainly worth a go.”
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a casual stargazer, this October presents a unique opportunity to witness a celestial visitor that won’t return for another 60,000 years. Mark your calendars and prepare to look up at the night sky for this remarkable event.
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'Once-in-60,000-years' comet to light up night skies in October
cgtn.com
