C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS): A Once-in-a-Millennium Comet Approaches Earth
C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS): A Once-in-a-Millennium Comet Approaches Earth
Introduction:
In recent days, the highly anticipated comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), known in Chinese as “紫金山-阿特拉斯,” has become observable. This is the eighth comet discovered by the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and it has not passed this close to Earth in the past 80,000 years.
C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) was first observed on January 9, 2023, by the near-Earth object telescope at the Purple Mountain Observatory, marking it as the eighth comet discovered by the observatory. Its designation contains a "discovery code": C indicates a long-period comet, 2023 is the year of discovery, A represents the first half of January, and 3 signifies that it is the third comet discovered within that timeframe. At that time, its brightness was approximately magnitude 19, with an apparent motion speed of 0.069 degrees per day.
The ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) observation program in South Africa reported characteristics of the comet on February 22, 2023. Subsequent verification using data from the Palomar Observatory in the United States confirmed that this was a comet that had begun to exhibit activity. On March 1 of the same year, the International Astronomical Center announced the discovery of a new comet by the Purple Mountain Observatory and named it Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (Tsuchinshan is the Wade-Giles romanization for "紫金山").
According to astronomers' calculations, this comet follows a retrograde orbit, meaning it travels around the Sun in the opposite direction to the Sun's rotation (from west to east). Additionally, the comet is on a nearly parabolic elliptical orbit, taking approximately 61,751 years to complete one magnificent journey around the Sun.
In the night sky over Earth, the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet (C/2023 A3) is becoming increasingly bright. This newly arrived visitor from the inner solar system comes from the distant Oort Cloud. It will reach its closest approach to the Sun on September 27 and will be at its nearest point to Earth on October 12, when it is expected to become a prominent celestial object in the night sky. However, when the latest images were captured on September 30, the A3 comet was still a morning object, rising around 4:50 AM. In the images taken at dawn from Praia Grande in Santa Catarina, Brazil, the comet displayed its bright coma and elongated tail, sharing the sky with the crescent moon just above the eastern horizon. While the behavior of comets is notoriously unpredictable, there is a possibility that the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet may become as spectacular as C/2020 F3 (Neowise), which captivated astronomy enthusiasts during the summer of 2020.
Observation Highlights:
Before October 5: The comet will be a morning star, rising around 4:50 AM. It is advisable to choose a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon and minimal light pollution.
October 5 to 11: The comet will be near the Sun, rising and setting almost simultaneously, making it unobservable. However, if the comet reaches a brightness of negative magnitude, it may be possible to observe it during the daytime with appropriate equipment blocking the Sun.
After October 11: The comet will transition to an evening star, becoming visible after sunset. If its brightness meets expectations, it may be possible to see its spectacular tail with the naked eye. Additionally, the height angle of the comet after sunset will gradually increase, though its brightness will also begin to dim.
Although you can observe comets with your naked eyes, you can use binoculars to enhance the observation experience and see more details of the comet. It is recommended that you use SV407 2.1x42mm Super Wide Binoculars or SA205 10x42 ED Flat-field Binoculars to observe. You can enjoy discounts when you buy it on the official website now. Don't miss it!
Conclusion
As we prepare for the arrival of C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), let’s take advantage of this unique opportunity to witness a comet that has not approached Earth in millennia. Clear skies and happy stargazing!
