Skywatchers have been treated to an extraordinary sight this month as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, or C/2023 A3, made its closest approach to Earth. After months of anticipation, the comet passed its nearest point to Earth on October 12, delighting viewers with its vivid green glow and impressive dust tail. Though gradually dimming as it travels away from us, it remains visible with the help of binoculars or a small telescope, especially just after sunset from mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.
Discovered in early 2023, this comet has since sparked interest for being one of the brightest in recent years, visible without advanced telescopic equipment. The comet’s journey, captured in livestreams from The Virtual Telescope Project and various astrophotography sessions, has shown a hazy, icy nucleus with a striking dust trail, and photographers captured it as it passed near some familiar constellations in the night sky.
As Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS continues its journey toward the outer Solar System, it provides scientists with a wealth of data. Observing these icy, ancient objects helps researchers understand the composition and behavior of celestial bodies from the early Solar System. While its brightness will gradually fade by early November, skywatchers have a limited window left to witness this “visitor” from deep space.
To see highlights of the comet’s path and astrophotography from this month, check out more on Space.com
