Astronomy enthusiasts have a prime opportunity this weekend to observe Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS as it becomes visible at dawn. The comet’s favorable positioning offers a rare celestial display against the early morning sky, attracting attention from both amateur stargazers and professional astronomers. This event underscores the dynamic interactions within our solar system and provides a valuable observation window for scientific study.
Unlike some recent comets that remained faint or failed to develop prominent features, Comet A3-Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has already surpassed initial brightness estimates. Its unexpected luminosity and structural formations suggest it could become one of the most significant comets of 2024, drawing comparisons to past notable comets such as NEOWISE.
The Story of Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Thus Far
Discovered on January 9, 2023, by China’s Tsuchinshan observatory and the ATLAS survey system, Comet A3-Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is likely making its maiden voyage into the inner solar system from the Oort Cloud. Its long orbital period, spanning millions of years, indicates that this may be its only appearance before it exits the solar system permanently after reaching perihelion on September 27th at 0.391 Astronomical Units from the Sun.
“It (Comet T-ATLAS) survived and so far, it looks brighter than expected,”
stated astrophotographer Eliot Herman.
How the Comet is Performing Now
Initially projected to achieve a magnitude of +2, the comet has rapidly brightened to a +3rd magnitude and continues to gain luminosity. The development of two distinct tails—dust and ion—has enhanced its visibility, with forward scattering contributing to its increased brightness. These features position Comet A3-Tsuchinshan-ATLAS as a potential ‘daytime comet,’ a rare phenomenon in cometary observations.
How to See the Comet
For optimal viewing, observers are advised to use binoculars and focus on the eastern horizon approximately one hour before sunrise. The first magnitude star Regulus (Alpha Leonis) serves as a reference point, located near the comet’s position. On September 30th, Comet A3-Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will align with the waning crescent Moon, offering an excellent photographic opportunity.
“I still don’t think it will be amazing when it can be seen when dark enough… I am thinking maybe March 2013 Comet (C/2011 L4) PanSTARRS level – which was visible to the eye and pretty nice with a camera,”
said astrophotographer Eliot Herman.
Despite its brightening trend, the comet’s visibility will diminish after October 7th as it moves closer to the Sun, entering the Solar Heliospheric Observatory’s LASCO C3 field of view. A secondary evening appearance is expected later in the month, though it is anticipated to be less favorable as the comet retreats from the inner solar system. Additionally, astronauts aboard the International Space Station have captured unique images of the comet, providing valuable data from their vantage point.
Comet A3-Tsuchinshan-ATLAS’s performance contrasts with past comets like NEOWISE, which became a prominent naked-eye object, and Nishimura, which remained relatively inconspicuous. Given its current trajectory and brightness, Comet A3-Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is poised to be one of 2024’s most notable celestial events, offering both scientific data and a memorable viewing experience for observers worldwide.
