The Coming "Comet of the Century" + Other Headlines

Tuesday Digest (09.17.24)

“Comet of the Century” to Appear in Early October

Astronomers say an exceptionally bright comet known as C/2023 A3, or Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, will be visible around the planet in September and October. Some expect it to be as bright as Halley’s Comet in 1986 or NEOWISE in 2020.

Wired Magazine reports on it:

C/2023 A3 will shine in the northern hemisphere sky from September 27 and will remain visible until the last week of October. During this period, the comet will reach its minimum distance from the sun, before beginning its journey back out of the solar system.

According to the specialized blog Cometography, the day when C/2023 A3 will shine the brightest will be October 2. The comet’s tail will be long and spectacular at this point due to its proximity to the sun.

When visible, the comet will appear near the horizon just before sunrise—between 5 and 7 a.m. starting September 27. Its position in the sky will move upwards over the next few days as it gradually becomes dimmer. It is expected to be visible with the naked eye for several days.