Once in a lifetime Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS visible this week – MPR News
If you’re looking for a celestial spectacle this week, look no further than the sky. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, discovered last year by a pair of Chinese astronomers, is making its closest approach to Earth and will be visible to the naked eye in the Northern Hemisphere. This comet, designated C/2023 E1 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), hasn’t been seen since the Stone Age and likely won’t be visible again for another 75,000 years, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for stargazers.
The comet, a giant snowball of ice and dust, will pass about 20 million miles from Earth on July 12th. While that might sound far, it’s relatively close in cosmic terms, and its icy tail should become visible with the naked eye under clear, dark skies. Though, finding it may not be as easy as pointing a telescope at the sky, so be sure to get yourself an accurate guide before heading out.
While the comet will technically be at its closest on July 12th, the peak viewing time is expected to be on July 14th, a Saturday night when the moon will be dark. By the end of July, the comet will be too faint to be visible without special equipment, so this is your one shot.
Here’s what you need to know to see this unique celestial visitor:
Finding the comet
The comet is currently located in the constellation Taurus, moving westward through the night sky. Finding a specific spot in the sky is difficult if you’re not experienced, so relying on a stargazing app like SkySafari or Star Walk is advisable.
Use the app to locate the constellation Taurus in the early evening. If it’s clear skies and you can find the comet, it will look like a faint, fuzzy, greenish spot, with its tail extending to the south. You will have to be somewhere with limited light pollution for it to be visible. It might be helpful to turn off all the lights and let your eyes get used to the darkness.
Timing is everything
The ideal time to observe the comet will be during the pre-dawn hours on July 14th, just before sunrise, and then during the later hours of twilight throughout July. The reason for this is because during those times, the sky will be darkest, and the faint light from the comet will be more prominent. The comet’s position in the sky will shift slightly each night, and it’s always a good idea to refer to your stargazing app for the most up-to-date information.
Patience is key
Watching a comet can be a game of patience. It’s not like observing a bright star; the faint light of the comet will require time for your eyes to adjust. Don’t be disappointed if it takes you a while to find it. Just keep looking and adjust your gaze for a better perspective.
Enjoy this celestial spectacle. It might be a once in a lifetime chance for some, and while the comet may be fleeting, the experience of observing such an awe-inspiring sight is unforgettable.
Stay up to date on the comet’s progress with local astronomical society announcements or with resources like the International Comet Quarterly website. It will surely be an astronomical highlight this July!
